ICE to Ensure Security for 2026 World Cup in U.S.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that its officers will be on duty daily throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

This initiative is part of an extensive security operation aimed at managing the anticipated influx of football fans and preventing crime often associated with large sporting events. Markwayn Mullin, from the Department of Homeland Security, assured that ICE agents will work to combat issues such as counterfeit tickets, counterfeit items, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.

The event is expected to attract hundreds of thousands, potentially millions, of visitors. Robert Luna, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, stated that ICE will collaborate with federal authorities, including the FBI and Secret Service, at an unprecedented level with local law enforcement agencies during the tournament.

The first match is scheduled for June 12, 2026, at Sofi Stadium in California, which will host eight World Cup fixtures.