Will ICE be present at Club World Cup matches?

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States has kicked off amid mixed emotions. Fear and anxiety permeate the air, not because of what is happening on the field, but because of who is in the stands. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have confirmed their presence at the tournament, sparking alarm among immigrant communities.

Although the federal government has described this deployment as part of “standard security” at international mass events, the action is understood as a measure linked to the immigration policy adopted by the administration since Donald Trump returned to office.

ICE, on the hunt for more undocumented immigrants

Tension began to rise earlier this month when CBP posted on social media that it would be “suited and booted” to ensure security for the first round of Club World Cup matches. The post was quickly removed after negative reactions and concerns expressed by FIFA, but the damage was already done. Advocates and authorities did not view the post as routine protocol, but rather as a warning.

On June 11, Coast Guard and CBP agents boarded a floating barge off the coast of Miami where the start of the tournament was being celebrated. According to various reports, some stadium attendees were asked to present identification proving their legal status. The incident prompted Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to condemn the measure. “This should not have happened,” she said. “It is essential to ensure that all members of the community feel safe and included in order to maintain our reputation as a destination that welcomes residents and visitors.”

Meanwhile, ICE confirmed to Miami television station WTVJ that its agents would be assisting with security throughout the tournament and reminded non-citizens to carry proof of their legal status. That message sounded like a clear threat, especially for cities like Miami and Los Angeles, where the immigrant population makes up a significant portion of the local soccer fanbase.

An aggressive stance

Federal agencies have stated that their participation in events such as the Super Bowl or the Olympic Games is routine, focusing on logistics and public safety. Former acting ICE director John Sandweg acknowledged that while CBP and ICE often collaborate on security for mass events, the current administration’s aggressive stance makes even normal practices seem suspicious. “You never know with this administration, the aggression they’re showing on immigration enforcement, whether they have other intentions as well,” he said.

On the other hand, authorities have also cited a past incident as a pretext for these measures. Last year in Miami, stadium security was overwhelmed during the Copa América final and thousands of fans forced their way in.

Vice President J. D. Vance spoke about the event and fan attendance at a recent press conference: “We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the games. But when the time is up we want them to go home, otherwise they will have to talk to Secretary Noem.” His comments, made alongside Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, make it clear that the event will be both an international celebration and an opportunity to detain and deport undocumented individuals.

Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition called ICE’s reminder to carry proof of legal status “intimidating.” “If I didn’t have status, I would probably stay away altogether,” he said.

What will happen at the 2026 World Cup?

Beyond this month’s tournament, the U.S. is preparing to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup (along with Mexico and Canada) and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Both events are expected to attract millions of people from around the world. The Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams from 20 countries, including Real Madrid and Manchester City, is seen as a test of how the U.S. will manage security and the treatment of attendees at future events.

Immigrant advocates have warned that the U.S. risks tarnishing its image as a welcoming host. George Escobar, head of programs and services at the advocacy group CASA, compared the current situation to dark moments in history. “This is not a description of the buildup toward the 1936 Summer Olympic Games [in Berlin],” he said in a statement. “This is how the Trump regime welcomes the world.”

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