U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say the agency will play a key role in security planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move that has sparked concern among immigrant advocates and some lawmakers who fear it could discourage fans from attending matches in the United States.
The tournament, hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with games set for multiple U.S. cities including Arlington and Houston.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told lawmakers during a recent congressional hearing that the agency will be involved in the broader security apparatus surrounding the event. He said ICE’s investigative arm, Homeland Security Investigations, would support efforts to protect players, staff and spectators.
Lyons did not commit to pausing immigration enforcement operations near stadiums or fan events when asked directly by members of Congress. He said the agency’s priority is public safety and coordination with other federal, state and local authorities.
Critics say the lack of clarity about ICE’s role could create anxiety among immigrant communities and international visitors.
Rep. Nellie Pou, a Democrat from New Jersey, questioned whether a visible immigration enforcement presence might deter families — including those in mixed-status households — from attending games. Immigration advocacy groups have echoed those concerns, warning of a potential “chilling effect” if fans fear detention or questioning while traveling to or from matches.
Civil rights organizations argue that even if ICE’s role is limited to security coordination, its involvement in a high-profile international sporting event could undermine efforts to present the United States as a welcoming host.
ICE officials have not publicly detailed how agents would be deployed during the tournament or whether enforcement actions would occur near venues. The agency has said its participation would focus on security coordination and transnational threats rather than large-scale immigration sweeps.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans and generate billions in economic activity across host cities. Major international events typically involve extensive federal coordination, including agencies within the Department of Homeland Security.
Still, the debate over ICE’s involvement reflects broader national tensions over immigration enforcement policy as the United States prepares to host one of the world’s largest sporting events.