Markwayne Mullin, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has announced that agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will be stationed at every venue throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, ensuring a constant presence during the entire event.
"ICE and HSI will be there every day, collaborating with local and federal partners to ensure a secure World Cup," Mullin stated in a video on ICE's official X account.
Mullin emphasized their crucial role in combating ticket counterfeiting, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and the sale of counterfeit merchandise. They will work closely alongside Customs and Border Protection (CBP) throughout the process.
He clarified that the goal isn't to "round up large groups of individuals" within the stadiums. However, arrests may occur if individuals wanted for serious crimes such as drug trafficking or those on terrorist watch lists are identified, targeting "the worst of the worst."
The deployment of officers aims to tackle "criminal activities," as Mullin specified in his announcement.
This statement confirms earlier reports by NBC News from May 13 that ICE agents might be present at tournament matches. At that time, sources indicated agents would not be checking attendees' immigration status.
The DHS emphasizes that the presence of these agents is to ensure the safety of fans during the tournament, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 across 16 venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with 78 out of 104 matches taking place in the U.S.
The confirmation of this deployment comes amid heightened tensions. In April, Amnesty International and over 120 civil and human rights organizations issued a formal travel warning for the World Cup, citing concerns over arbitrary detentions, invasive phone checks, and "inhumane" conditions in detention centers.
This Friday, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Human Rights Watch, and the NAACP urged FIFA to provide binding human rights assurances, highlighting that ICE has already signed 1,544 agreements with local agencies in host cities like Dallas, Houston, and Miami.
The closest precedent is the 2025 Club World Cup, where pro-immigrant groups demanded FIFA keep stadiums free from ICE agents after reports of operations that instilled fear in immigrant communities, resulting in near-empty stadiums and tickets sold for less than four dollars.
Back in December, Andrew Giuliani, the World Cup coordinator at the White House, warned that former President Trump did not rule out immigrant detentions during the tournament, stating that the president "doesn't rule out anything that makes this country safer."
Mullin took office as DHS Secretary on March 24, 2026, succeeding Kristi Noem, who was appointed "Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas."
Meanwhile, FIFA has reiterated its guiding documents on human rights without offering additional concrete guarantees, as the tournament—which could draw up to 10 million visitors to North America—kicks off on June 11 with the opening match at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.
Key Information About ICE Presence at FIFA World Cup
Why will ICE and HSI agents be present at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
ICE and HSI agents will be present to maintain security and address issues such as ticket counterfeiting, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and the sale of counterfeit merchandise.
Will ICE agents be checking the immigration status of attendees?
No, according to sources, ICE agents will not be checking the immigration status of individuals attending the matches.
What concerns have been raised regarding ICE's presence at the World Cup?
Concerns include the potential for arbitrary detentions, invasive checks, and the impact on immigrant communities, with organizations seeking assurances for human rights protections during the event.