ICE to Provide Security for Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup 2026 Match in Kansas City

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be present at Kansas City's stadium on Saturday, July 11, to support security operations for the World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland. This presence is part of a broader security plan involving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its National Security Investigations (HSI) division, mirroring protocols used in other host cities like Texas, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. The operation is classified under the federal government's highest security rating, SEAR 1, for major events. ICE agents will focus on ensuring the safety of players, staff, and spectators throughout the match. Officials have clarified that ICE will not conduct mass immigration raids within or near the stadium during the game. The agency's involvement is a standard protocol for high-profile events, aiming to maintain overall security rather than focusing on immigration enforcement within the stadium perimeter. However, ICE will take action against undocumented individuals if they present a security threat, though this is not the agency's primary objective during the tournament. Individuals with proper documentation are not expected to be affected by these security measures. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin emphasized that ICE agents at these events are not conducting immigration control, stating, "The media and the public have turned ICE agents into villains. When they are present at these sporting events, we are not doing immigration control."

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The media and the public have turned ICE agents into villains. When they are present at these sporting events, we are not doing immigration control.