- US immigration agents to be stationed at FIFA Club World Cup venues.
- The event begins on June 14 with Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly.
- CBP and ICE officers to offer support, roles still unclear.
- Their presence comes days after controversial LA immigration raids.
- FIFA boss Infantino says fans’ safety is top priority.
- No clear comment yet from ICE on their exact duties.
As football fans gear up for the FIFA Club World Cup this weekend, reports have confirmed that immigration agents from the United States will be present at various match venues. The tournament starts on Saturday with a spotlight match between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egyptian club Al Ahly.
According to NBC Miami, the security presence will include personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who had initially announced their involvement through a now-deleted social media post.
In the deleted post, CBP stated:
“Let the games begin! The first FIFA Club World Cup games start on June 14th in Miami. CBP will be suited and booted and ready to provide security for the first round of games.”
This post drew attention before being removed, and raised new questions about the scale of federal involvement in event security.
ICE Agents Also Expected to Join Security
Along with CBP, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are also expected to be on-site. However, their exact number and responsibilities during the games are still unknown.
NBC’s report did not provide details about how many agents are being deployed or the scope of their duties during the event.
This development follows recent immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles, where ICE conducted large-scale raids. These actions have caused public anger, protests, and growing concern about the role of immigration officers in public events.
The timing of the Club World Cup, set against this tense national backdrop, has made the involvement of federal agents a sensitive topic.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, while speaking in Miami, said fans should not worry.
“No, I don’t have any concerns,” said Infantino. “Our main focus is to make sure that fans feel safe and enjoy the tournament. That’s what matters most, and it’s a priority for us and the authorities.”
His comments were aimed at calming public fears over the potential use of immigration enforcement at matches.
This edition of the Club World Cup has been expanded and is expected to bring in large crowds from around the world. Miami is one of the key host cities, and with current political tensions on immigration, security measures are under sharp watch.
So far, ICE has not responded to questions about its specific role during the tournament.
