Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents might be at FIFA World Cup matches to help provide security.
NBC News cited two officials with the Department of Homeland Security in its report. If used, agents would not conduct immigration checks.
"Our agents and officers are going to provide security when asked, but they will not be screening people for immigration status," one of the officials told the outlet.
ICE is offering its personnel to local law enforcement and other federal agencies in case they want assistance. The officials said any role would be similar to assistance provided during other large-scale events, such as the Super Bowl.
Officials initially said ICE agents in Los Angeles would be on hand, but later walked back that statement to KABC.
"We are fortunate to have local, state, and federal agencies working on planning for the various Los Angeles World Cup events. There will be assets deployed from multiple state and local agencies, and there is no indication that ICE will be deployed at our major events at SoFi Stadium and the L.A. Memorial Coliseum," said Kathryn Schloessman, the president and CEO of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission and CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee.
In Miami, officials have indicated that ICE will not be at the matches there. However, USA TODAY reported that local immigration advocates remain concerned that the World Cup could be used by ICE to detain people.
"A personal assurance is not policy, and it is not protection," Yareliz Zamora, Florida coordinator for American Friends Service Committee told USA TODAY. She said if the Trump administration wants to put people at ease, it needs to announce a moratorium on immigration enforcement during the tournament.
In February, then ICE interim director Todd Lyons said that the agency would play a role in World Cup security.
"ICE, specifically homeland security investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup," Lyons said, according to Sports Illustrated. "We're dedicated to securing that operation and to ensuring the safety of all participants and visitors."
Lyons, however, announced in April that he would be leaving ICE at the end of May. It is unclear if the policy has changed since.
