Rabat – US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be heavily involved in security operations at the 2026 men’s World Cup, according to acting director Todd Lyons.
Speaking before a House panel, Lyons said ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations unit will be “a key part of the overall security apparatus” for the tournament.
The comments came in response to questions from Democrat Representative Nellie Pou, who represents New Jersey’s ninth district. Her district includes MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, one of the main venues for the competition. The stadium will host eight matches, including the final and six group-stage games.
Lyons stressed that ICE’s role is focused on safety: “We’re dedicated to securing the operation and ensuring the safety of all participants and visitors.” ICE has a history of providing intelligence and support at international sporting events.
Agents are currently present at the Milan Cortina Olympics in Italy, though they cannot carry out enforcement operations outside the US. Their presence there has already sparked widespread protests.
Pou warned that ICE’s involvement could discourage fans: “If people feel they might be wrongfully detained, that will hurt the entire process.” However, Lyons responded that ICE’s priority is to guarantee a safe environment for everyone attending.
This was Lyons’ first testimony since immigration agents fatally shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, incidents that have added to scrutiny of ICE.
The agency faces criticism under President Donald Trump’s administration for aggressive crackdowns in several cities. Combined with Trump’s recent controversial statements, these events have fueled talk of boycotts of the World Cup.
The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but most matches, 78 out of 104, will take place in the US. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recently said he hopes ICE’s presence will be “unnoticeable” or even “nonexistent” during the games in his city, which will host eight matches, including a semifinal.
Dickens promised transparency, saying the city would inform residents and businesses of any federal activity: “We’ll make sure people know what to expect and how to protect their rights.”
The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with 11 of the 16 host cities located in the United States.
