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No Immigration Raids During 2026 World Cup, Says U.S. Border Czar
🇬🇹 Guatemala /Culture & Society

No Immigration Raids During 2026 World Cup, Says U.S. Border Czar

From Prensa Libre · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • U.S. border czar Tom Homan stated that ICE has no plans for immigration enforcement operations during the 2026 World Cup.
  • The primary focus will be on ensuring the tournament's security and national safety.
  • Immigration status will be considered only if an individual poses a direct threat to the event's security.

U.S. border czar Tom Homan assured that immigration enforcement will not be a priority during the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The focus for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Department of Homeland Security agencies will be on national security and safeguarding the tournament.

We have a national security responsibility that we are going to carry out.

— Tom HomanExplaining the priority of national security during the World Cup.

"We have a national security responsibility that we are going to carry out," Homan told ABC. He clarified that the mission's priority is not to arrest individuals residing in the country illegally but to protect the championship from major threats. This stance aims to alleviate concerns among fans and international visitors about potential immigration crackdowns.

However, Homan cautioned that immigration status could become a factor if an individual is identified as a direct threat to the tournament's security. "If we find a national security problem and it involves an illegal alien, of course we are going to take measures regarding that," he stated. The agency's efforts will concentrate on preventing risks and managing protection logistics, rather than routine immigration control.

The priority of the mission is not to arrest people who are in the country illegally, but to keep the championship safe from major threats.

— Tom HomanClarifying the focus of ICE operations during the tournament.

ICE and other agencies will support investigations related to crimes associated with large public gatherings, such as combating counterfeit merchandise and tickets. While authorities will pursue criminal targets linked to serious offenses or those wanted by Interpol, Homan reiterated, "When they are at these sporting events, we are not doing immigration control."

If we find a national security problem and it involves an illegal alien, of course we are going to take measures regarding that.

— Tom HomanStating the conditions under which immigration status would be relevant.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Homan's statements are intended to reassure the public that mass detention schemes in stadiums or fan zones are not planned, allowing attendees to focus on enjoying the event.

We are focused on national security issues and that is what we are going to concentrate on.

— Tom HomanReiterating the agency's primary focus during the World Cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Prensa Libre in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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