Newsom to protect migrants during 2026 World Cup: California agents won't enforce federal laws

California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a strategic plan to ensure the safety of migrants during the 2026 World Cup, vowing that state resources will not be used for federal immigration enforcement during the event. The initiative aims to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all attendees.

Under the plan, state and local law enforcement agencies will prioritize the security of the international sporting event and road infrastructure. They will not engage in immigration status checks. The governor's office stated that this measure promotes inclusion and respect for all participants.

Newsom emphasized California's readiness to host, stating, "The eyes of the world will be on California, and we are prepared." A State Operations Center has been activated to monitor incidents in real-time, coordinating assistance without interfering with immigration matters.

The deployment strategy includes joint contingency plans between transportation and public safety agencies. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will conduct specialized patrols, aerial operations, and heavy traffic control. While cooperation with federal agencies will be strictly limited to threat prevention and cybersecurity, authorities clarified that arrests for common crimes will still occur.

Sean Duryee, commissioner of the CHP, highlighted the agency's significant role in organizing the World Cup, working in coordination with other state forces. The Department of Transportation will maintain active crews on key corridors in Los Angeles and the Bay Area to mitigate traffic congestion and ensure efficient travel for teams and fans. Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy advised consulting the agency's QuickMap for real-time traffic information.

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The eyes of the world will be on California, and we are prepared.