The secretary of the Department of Homeland Security said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will be “out there every day” during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In a video message published to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement X account, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said agents would be deployed throughout the tournament in an effort to crack down on “criminal activities.”
“ICE and HSI will be out there every day,” Mullin said in the video. “Fighting against counterfeit tickets, human trafficking, drug smuggling, counterfeit products. They’re going to be working hand-in-hand along with CBP along the way.”
The presence of federal agents at large-scale events is not new.
Authorities pointed to similar security measures during the Super Bowl in Santa Clara earlier this year. Local law enforcement officials say they expect DHS to assist in a comparable role during the World Cup matches, though they said they have not been informed of any specific plans for immigration enforcement at the stadium.
Mullin has not ruled out the possibility of immigration arrests during the events but said authorities are not focused on broad enforcement actions, stating they “were not there to go round up” non-citizens at the games.
The lack of clarity has raised concerns among immigration rights advocates. Huy Tran, with the advocacy group SIREN, said mixed messaging from federal officials has caused anxiety in immigrant communities.
“The DHS has been playing games around will they or won’t they since the beginning of the year,” Tran said. “But every time also that they play this will they, won’t they game, it is an incredible stressor and an incredible point of tension on the families that we work with.”
MORE: ICE to conduct immigration enforcement at Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, official says
Advocates say they are encouraging residents and visitors to be prepared.
The Rapid Response Network is advising international travelers and immigrant families in the South Bay to understand their rights when interacting with federal authorities.
“Regardless, though, the position that we’ve always taken from the rapid response network and with Siren has always been, stay ready so you don’t have to get ready,” Tran said.
Tran adds local organizations have developed plans to help ensure a safe experience for fans attending the matches.
“The best time to have all of that training and readiness is right now, so that as these games come and these agents show up in our communities, we know what we need to do,” Tran said.
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