During the morning of this Saturday, May 23, the Department of Homeland Security of the United States confirmed that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICEfor its acronym in English) will have a daily presence in the main stadiums of the US during the World Cup 2026from June 11 to July 19.
“ICE will work with local and federal partners to ensure the security of the World Cup. The agents will play a fundamental role in the fight against human trafficking, as well as in combating the sale of counterfeit merchandise and fake tickets“added the Department of Homeland Security in an X publication.
Given this situation, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullinassured that federal ICE agents will be focused on combating criminal activities such as the sale of fake tickets, drugs and counterfeit items, so the advertisement generated worry between community members latin.
This is because, although the Department of Homeland Security maintains that ICE agents must be present in all stadiums to guarantee the safety of fans, the migrant community fear that the World Cup venues become scenes of raids and deportations of undocumented people.
ICE at the World Cup
“ICE will be present every day. Federal agents will combat ticket falsification, human trafficking, smuggling of drugs and counterfeit products. They will work hand in hand with Customs and Border Protection (CBPfor its acronym in English) throughout the process,” said Markwayne Mullin.
Therefore, although the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security explained that ICE agents will seek to combat criminal activitiesthe measure has generated worry between political and civil sectors, especially due to the presence of the agency that controls the migratory flow and supervises the entry and exit of people.
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Both ICE and CBP operate in the borders and ports of entry in the United States and apply immigration laws within the North American country, including investigations and deportations, so undocumented people they fear that the World Cup stadiums become centers of immigration detention operations.
“Possibly the message less welcoming from a host country ever,” wrote one of the Internet users in the publication of Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who is aware that both Agencies frequently work in a coordinated manner in the application of immigration laws, massive operations and workplace raids.
@ICEgov & ICE @HSI_HQ will be working with local and federal partners to secure the @FIFAWorldCup.
They will play a pivotal role in combatting human trafficking as well as stopping counterfeit merchandise and counterfeit ticket sales. pic.twitter.com/KNcxnZdaSx
— US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) May 19, 2026
Reaction on social networks
“This man (Markwayne Mullin) is what worse that the United States has to offer and is in a position of much can. “Is the government here to help?” added another user who critical to the Secretary of Homeland Security, known for carrying out operations in the United States to arrest and deport people without legal status.
“Is incredible. The racist brigade preparing for the next World Cup,” added another Internet user, aware that the raids of ICE have generated great fear in immigrant communities and caused many families to hide to avoid arrests, family separations or deportations to their nations of origin.