Controversial ICE agency set to play ‘key role’ in 2026 World Cup security

The acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) told a congressional committee this week that the agency would play a "key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup", as preparations intensify for the world’s largest football tournament to be hosted this summer by the United States, Mexico and Canada. 

With 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches scheduled to take place in the US, ICE chief Todd Lyons confirmed the agency’s role during his testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security. 

His comments came after questioning from Representative Nellie Pou, who represents New Jersey’s ninth district, which includes MetLife Stadium- the venue set to host the World Cup final. 

Pou raised concerns about ICE’s involvement amid widespread criticism of the agency over its violent role in Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, warning that fear among international visitors could undermine the tournament. 

She asked whether ICE would commit to suspending enforcement operations around FIFA events, saying that visitors’ "confidence is plummeting and jeopardizing the World Cup". 

Lyons rejected the suggestion, responding that ICE was "dedicated to securing that operation, and we are dedicated to the security of all of our participants as well as visitors". 

Pou warned of the potential impact on fans, as she said "that if [fans] feel they are going to be wrongfully incarcerated, wrongfully pulled out, that is going to hurt this entire process?" 

"Yes ma'am, and ICE is dedicated to ensuring that everyone that visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event," Lyons replied. 

Lyons also asserted during his testimony that it would be ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division- rather than its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arm- that would fulfil the "key" security responsibilities at the World Cup.

HSI is understood to focus on intelligence, investigative work and disruption of transnational criminal activity, and it has been deployed at major sporting events previously.

By contrast, ERO, which handles detentions and deportations, has been at the centre of controversy in Minneapolis and other cities.

Despite the different mandates of HSI and ERO, the exact nature of ICE’s involvement in the tournament remains unclear, and the possibility that immigrants being targeted as part of operations has not been ruled out.

ICE’s role has fuelled growing calls in the US and internationally to boycott this year’s World Cup, particularly following the killing of two American citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, by ICE agents- incidents that sparked widespread outrage. 

Criticism intensified further against the world football governing body FIFA after Trump was awarded a new FIFA peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw last December, despite mounting anger over ICE’s actions and broader US foreign policy decisions. 

Lyons’ appearance before the House Committee on Homeland Security marked his first public testimony since the deaths of Pretti and Good. 

ICE’s involvement in global sporting events has also extended beyond the US, drawing scrutiny over the agency’s role at international competitions, including the Winter Olympics in Italy.  

Protests in Milan against ICE’s presence at the Games have attracted thousands, while Italian politicians- including the city’s mayor- have stated that, following violence in Minneapolis, ICE officers are no longer welcome in the city.