Former ICE Official Warns Enforcement at 2026 World Cup Could Deter Fans

John Sandweg, who served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement from August 2013 to February 2014, said immigration enforcement at 2026 World Cup venues could create long entry lines and discourage some fans from attending. “If there was a widespread belief that ICE was going to engage in immigration enforcement operations or utilize entrances to stadiums as checkpoints, that it would have a really disruptive effect on the World Cup,” Sandweg told Newsweek.

He added that the perception alone could lead some ticket holders to stay away.

U.S. host cities, with additional matches in Canada and Mexico. S. government planning documents already allocate federal resources for security operations tied to the event. Sandweg said ICE’s primary role will be intelligence-sharing and investigations into transnational crime rather than routine immigration enforcement.

He noted that Homeland Security Investigations agents have historically maintained a low profile at large sporting events.

S. ” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE and HSI will work with Customs and Border Protection to address criminal activity such as counterfeit goods and human trafficking. S. host cities, according to data released under a Freedom of Information Act request.

Human Rights Watch director Minky Worden stated that host committees and FIFA have not yet produced plans addressing potential effects of enforcement on fans and players.