The American network NBC cited statements by officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), who stated that agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) could be present in several 2026 World Cup matches.
According to the American media, ICE would have offered security support to local police departments and other federal agencies to provide greater protection during sporting events.
This would be an additional security measure, especially all within the perimeters of the stadiums that will host World Cup matches.
One of the DHS sources cited by NBC stated that ICE agents, if present during the games, They will not carry out immigration status controls on people.
The source added that the use of the uniform by ICE agents will depend on each venue where the matches are played.
The NBC information came to light after the president of the World Cup host committee in Miami, Ridney Barreto, said that he received personal guarantees from the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, that ICE would not be present in the stadiums.
“A lot of people are commenting (and saying), ‘Well, ICE will be at the stadium.’ I talked to Marco Rubio. ICE is not going to be in the stadium. This is not going to turn into some kind of massive raid operation. “That is not the purpose of this,” Barreto told TheAthleticthe sports division of The New York Times.
The officials indicated that, So far, it is unclear if any department or agency has accepted ICE’s offer.
However, officials stressed that, should this become reality, ICE will not verify the immigration status of spectators or employees.
The sources explained to NBC that the DHS has not issued any internal guidelines instructing ICE officers in charge of immigration control tasks to Stay away from World Cup stadiums.
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