ICE may be at World Cup matches in U.S. [View all]

Source: NBC News

May 13, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT


Federal officers and agents who arrest immigrants as part of their work with ICE may be at FIFA World Cup matches when the international tournament gets underway in the U.S. next month, according to two Department of Homeland Security officials.

The agency is offering its personnel to local police departments and federal agencies to provide extra security around the perimeters of games, similar to Homeland Security’s role at the Super Bowl and the Kentucky Derby, the officials said.

So far, it’s unclear whether any departments or agencies are taking ICE up on the offer. But ICE officers and agents providing security won’t be checking spectators or employees for immigration status, the officials said.

“Our agents and officers are going to provide security when asked, but they will not be screening people for immigration status,” one of the officials said, adding that whether the ICE officers wear uniforms would depend on each location.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/soccer/ice-may-world-cup-matches-us-rcna344797