DHS Confirms ICE Will Be at the World Cup Every Day as Fear Grows Among Migrants
Posted on 05/22/26 at 22:01
- ICE will be present at the World Cup
- Migrants fear detentions
- DHS increases federal security
The World Cup in the United States will include the daily presence of immigration and federal security agents.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be deployed throughout every day of the tournament.
The warning was delivered through a video message posted on social media, according to Univision.
- Why it matters: The statement has generated concern among migrant communities and legal support organizations over fears of possible detentions during the matches.
DHS announces daily ICE presence at the World Cup
@ICEgov & ICE @HSI_HQ will be working with local and federal partners to secure the @FIFAWorldCup.
They will play a pivotal role in combatting human trafficking as well as stopping counterfeit merchandise and counterfeit ticket sales. pic.twitter.com/KNcxnZdaSx
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) May 19, 2026
Mullin stated that the deployment of ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents will focus on combating criminal activity.
“ICE and HSI will be present every single day,” Mullin said in the video.
According to him, the operations will seek to stop ticket counterfeiting, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and the sale of counterfeit merchandise.
He also said they will work alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
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“They will work hand in hand with CBP at all times,” the DHS chief said.
Federal authorities compared the operation to the security plan implemented during the Super Bowl held in Santa Clara earlier this year.
Local agents indicated they expect similar security measures during the World Cup matches.
However, they clarified that they have not received specific information regarding immigration checks inside stadiums.
Doubts remain over possible detentions
Mullin did not completely rule out the possibility of migrant arrests during the sporting event.
Even so, he assured that this will not be the primary objective of federal agents.
“They will not be there to detain” undocumented individuals, he emphasized.
Despite that statement, concerns continue among organizations and migrant families.
The expectation of massive attendance at matches is increasing uncertainty about possible operations.
So far, it remains unclear whether authorities will use the World Cup context to carry out detentions inside or around stadiums.
The lack of concrete details regarding immigration protocols continues to fuel tension among community sectors.
Legal support organizations say many families already live in constant fear of possible arrests.
Migrants fear leaving home during matches
La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), an organization that provides legal assistance to migrants, confirmed that concern exists among its members.
With less than a month remaining before the start of the tournament, the organization says it continues receiving reports of fear and anxiety.
“They have expressed to us how devastated they feel by the current political climate,” explained José Jiménez, director of LUPE.
Jiménez said some families have stopped attending graduations, school activities, and medical appointments out of fear of being detained.
“Every week we receive calls and messages from relatives of LUPE members who have been detained,” he said.
He also denounced cases involving people with active DACA status who were allegedly detained without explanation.
In addition, he mentioned situations involving workers detained while on their way to work.
“Our members are tired of living in fear,” Jiménez said.
The community leader criticized what he described as authorities continuing to invest in departments that “fail to protect our communities.”
LUPE says many people are planning to take extra precautions during the World Cup days.
Some migrants are even considering avoiding leaving their homes during matches out of fear of possible detention.
