Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said federal immigration agents may be present at FIFA World Cup venues for security operations but will not conduct broad immigration raids targeting illegal migrants attending matches.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel will not be conducting mass immigration roundups during this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup events in the United States.
In an interview with CBS News, Mullin said ICE officers could be present at World Cup venues as part of broader public-safety and security operations but stressed that immigration enforcement would not be the agency’s central focus.
“We’re not there to go round up mass individuals,” Mullin said. “But we are always looking for the worst of the worst.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico and is expected to attract millions of international visitors across North America.
Federal agencies are coordinating with local and international law-enforcement partners to secure stadiums, transportation systems, fan zones, and surrounding infrastructure during the tournament.
Mullin said ICE has routinely participated in security operations at major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, where agents often assist with criminal investigations involving counterfeit merchandise, fraudulent ticket sales, gang activity, and fugitives.
“When they’re at these sporting events, we’re not out there doing immigration enforcement,” Mullin told CBS News. “But we are looking for maybe people that shouldn’t be in this country because they’re on terrorist watchlists.”
According to NBC News, ICE officers could still make arrests if they encounter individuals who are in the country illegally or wanted for serious crimes.
However, DHS officials emphasized that lawful visitors and tourists attending World Cup matches should not fear immigration enforcement activity.
“International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about,” a DHS spokesperson told The Hill.
Mullin also defended ICE against criticism from immigration activists and Democratic lawmakers who have accused the agency of using large public events as opportunities for expanded enforcement activity.
“Well, ICE always says immigration enforcement. We’re always going to do that. But we’re not there for solely that purpose,” Mullin said. “We’re in there to do our job.”
The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement and border security major priorities, focusing heavily on the removal of violent offenders, gang members, repeat immigration violators, and individuals considered national-security threats.
At the same time, DHS is preparing for a broad range of operational demands, including hurricane season and large-scale international events, while recovering from disruptions caused by a recent partial federal government shutdown.
Mullin warned that the funding lapse weakened DHS preparedness and limited proactive planning capabilities ahead of the World Cup.
“At some point you have to quit being proactive,” he said.
Despite criticism from advocacy groups warning that U.S. immigration policies could discourage tourism during the tournament, DHS officials said the agency’s objective remains ensuring a safe and orderly experience for both American citizens and foreign visitors.
“Our mission is simple,” DHS said in a statement reported by The Hill. “Ensure every fan — Americans and visitors alike — has a safe and unforgettable experience.”
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