To ensure security, personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may be present at certain World Cup matches

According to a recent report by Marca, officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have revealed that agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may be deployed at certain World Cup matches held in the United States to assist local authorities with event security.

Sources from the Department of Homeland Security told NBC News on Wednesday that ICE has offered support to local police departments and other federal agencies by providing additional security around stadium perimeters during the tournament.

ICE officers have traditionally served as part of federal security reinforcement teams at major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and the Kentucky Derby.

One source told NBC that ICE personnel would not be checking the immigration status of attendees, and whether officers wear official uniforms would be decided individually by each host city.



Previously, Reedney Barreto, chairman of the Miami World Cup organizing committee, stated last week that he had received personal assurances from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that ICE officers would not enter stadiums this summer. However, the latest revelations have raised new concerns.

Barreto told The Athletic: “A lot of people are talking about ‘ICE being present at stadiums.’ I spoke with Marco Rubio, and ICE officers will not be inside the stadiums. There will be no large-scale immigration raids. That is absolutely not our intention.”

Still, immigrant rights advocates remain skeptical. A coalition of immigrant advocacy groups in Florida has reportedly sent letters to relevant authorities demanding a suspension of immigration enforcement during the World Cup.

As of now, it remains unclear whether any agencies or organizations have formally accepted ICE’s offer of security assistance. However, officials have emphasized that ICE personnel involved in security operations will not verify the immigration status of spectators or staff members.

Sources also told NBC that the Department of Homeland Security has not issued any internal directive instructing ICE agents responsible for immigration enforcement to stay away from World Cup venues.