ICE to Prioritize Security Over Immigration Enforcement During World Cup

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will shift its focus during the upcoming World Cup to ensuring the event's security, rather than prioritizing immigration arrests, according to ICE Director Tom Homan. Speaking on Saturday, Homan emphasized that the agency's primary responsibility is national security and safeguarding the tournament from significant threats.

"We have a national security responsibility that we are going to carry out," Homan told ACB. He clarified that the mission's priority is not to apprehend individuals present in the country illegally but to maintain the event's safety. This approach aims to reassure visitors and the general public that routine immigration enforcement will not be a primary concern during the global sporting event.

However, Homan cautioned that an individual's immigration status could become relevant if they pose a direct threat to the tournament's security. "If we find a national security problem and it involves an illegal foreigner, of course we are going to take action," he stated. This indicates a conditional approach, where security concerns will supersede immigration status if a threat is identified.

When questioned about potential immigration arrests for general attendees or foreign visitors, the "border czar" reiterated that ICE's focus remains exclusively on risk prevention and protection logistics. "We are focused on national security issues and that is what we are going to concentrate on," Homan concluded. The World Cup is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the opening match scheduled for June 11.