Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will not be at this summer’s World Cup to “round up mass” illegal migrants, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin said.
Mullin told CBS News that ICE personnel may be present at FIFA World Cup events in the United States as part of broader security operations, but stressed that the agency’s primary role will be public safety, not sweeping immigration raids.
“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, which will feature matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to draw millions of international visitors.
Homeland Security officials said federal agencies are coordinating with local law enforcement to secure stadiums, transportation systems, and surrounding venues.
Mullin noted that ICE has historically participated in security operations at major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, where agents often focus on criminal activity such as counterfeit merchandise, ticket fraud, and locating dangerous 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.”
