ICE Presence Confirmed at World Cup 2026 in the United States

• ICE at World Cup 2026
• Congress questions participation
• Atlanta reacts to announcement

The confirmation that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be part of the security framework for the 2026 World Cup in the United States has opened a political and social debate.

The announcement was made during a hearing in the House of Representatives.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that the agency will be a key component of the overall security apparatus for the tournament.

“Immigration and Customs Enforcement, particularly Homeland Security Investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup,” Lyons said.

ICE to Participate in World Cup 2026 Security

I asked ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons whether ICE will be conducting raids and arrests at the World Cup. He refused to answer.

When the safety and peace of mind of millions of visitors are on the line, that evasion is alarming, and deliberate. pic.twitter.com/A8kxKXcbm0

— Rep. Nellie Pou (@RepNellie) February 10, 2026

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, according to BBC.

Of the 104 scheduled matches, 78 will be played in the United States.

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Eight matches will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

That venue will host the final and six group-stage matches.

World Cup 2026 Venues and Security Operation

The stadium has a capacity of 82,500 spectators.

It is located within the district represented by Democratic Congresswoman Nellie Pou.

ICE participation in international events is not new.

The agency typically provides intelligence and coordination related to security.

ICE agents are also present at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Outside U.S. territory, the agency does not have authority to conduct immigration enforcement operations.

In Italy, its presence has generated protests.

Questions Raised on Capitol Hill

While testifying before the House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday, Todd Lyons, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told lawmakers that his agency will play “a key part of the overall security apparatus» during the 2026 World Cup. «ICE is committed… pic.twitter.com/T02AxhGUVm

— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 12, 2026

During the hearing, Congresswoman Nellie Pou questioned the public perception impact of the announcement.

“Do you realize that if fans feel they are going to be unjustly jailed, unjustly removed, that will harm the entire process? I hope you realize that.”

Todd Lyons responded with a message focused on security, stating that “ICE is committed to ensuring that everyone who visits these venues has a safe and secure event.”

It was the first time Lyons testified in a hearing since the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Both were killed by U.S. federal agents in Minneapolis last month.

Reactions in Atlanta and Impact Ahead of the Tournament

The statement comes amid strong scrutiny of the agency.

During the administration of Donald Trump, ICE has faced criticism over intensified enforcement operations in various cities.

In Minneapolis, recent incidents have sparked national controversy.

That political climate has fueled calls for a potential boycott of the FIFA-organized tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In Atlanta, another host city with eight matches and a semifinal, reactions also emerged.

Mayor Andre Dickens expressed hope that the federal presence would go largely unnoticed.

“We will make sure to get as much information as possible so that small and large businesses, and residents, receive clear guidance from us about what to expect and how to maintain their dignity and rights,” Dickens said.

He added that he wants fans to enjoy the tournament.

He said he hopes they do so “despite the presence of someone I am not inviting to come.”

The ICE presence at World Cup 2026 is shaping up as a component of event security.

At the same time, it has become a central topic in the public debate leading up to the tournament.