The acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) assured that the agency will be a "key piece of the overall security apparatus for the 2026 World Cup," dismissing the possibility of suspending its operations during the tournament. The assurance was given by Todd Lyons during a hearing at the House of Representatives' Homeland Security Committee, where he was questioned about the agency's role during the FIFA competition, which takes place in the summer. The hearing follows the deaths of two American citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis as part of an immigration crackdown ordered by President Donald Trump. Congresswoman Nellie Pou, whose New Jersey district includes Met Life Stadium, the venue for the World Cup final, confronted Lyons, asking whether ICE would commit to suspending its operations near the stadiums and other FIFA events. The representative warned that visitor confidence is "plummeting, jeopardizing the World Cup." In response, Todd Lyons insisted that ICE is "committed to ensuring the safety of this operation" and "the safety of all participants, as well as visitors." Nellie Pou retorted: "Do you understand that if [fans] feel they can be unfairly detained or removed, it will harm the entire process?" Lyons responded affirmatively, reiterating the agency's commitment: "Yes, ma'am, and ICE is dedicated to ensuring that everyone visiting the facilities will have a safe and secure event." The controversy intensified due to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Good and Pretti, both American citizens shot multiple times. Their deaths, along with ICE's broader actions in Minneapolis — where about 3,000 agents were deployed by Trump's order — sparked a wave of outrage across the country. Some of those agents have already left the city. Concerns about security at the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada and Mexico, are not new. Last month, the fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) expressed to BBC Sport that they are "extremely concerned about the increasing militarization of police forces in the U.S." Similarly, the European Democratic Party (EDP) acknowledged the possibility of requesting national football federations to consider withdrawing from the tournament if security guarantees are not provided. For its part, FIFA stated that the safety of fans and participants is its "top priority," ensuring that it is working closely with local authorities "to plan, coordinate, and implement comprehensive security measures for the tournament." It is worth noting that the United States will host 78 matches in 11 cities, while Canada and Mexico will host 13 matches each.
World Cup Customs Enforcement remains central to this story.
World Cup Customs Enforcement remains central to this story.
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