ICE to be present at World Cup cities but not target migrants

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will have a presence in cities hosting the 2026 World Cup, but the agency's focus will not be on mass immigration enforcement, officials confirmed.

Tom Homan, director of ICE, clarified the agency's role during the tournament in an interview with CBS News. He stated that ICE's primary mission will be to prioritize "national security" to ensure the safety of fans and athletes. While immigration control is not the main objective, Homan assured that ICE would take action if any issues involving "illegal immigrants" arise that could impact security.

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We have a responsibility that we are going to carry out nationally. If we find a problem that involves an illegal immigrant, we are going to take action on it. However, the main focus is to keep those events safe.

"We have a responsibility that we are going to carry out nationally. If we find a problem that involves an illegal immigrant, we are going to take action on it. However, the main focus is to keep those events safe," Homan said. He emphasized that the agency would concentrate on "national security issues" rather than routine immigration operations, aiming to reassure tourists that they should not fear widespread raids.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed this sentiment, explaining that ICE's function at the World Cup would mirror its role in other large-scale events like the Super Bowl. Mullin stated that ICE agents present at these sporting events are not conducting immigration control. Instead, the agency will monitor for the sale of counterfeit goods, such as apparel and tickets, and identify individuals on watchlists, including those linked to terrorism, drug trafficking, or wanted for murder.

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When our agents are present at these sporting events, we are not doing immigration control.