ICE director refuses to commit to pausing operations for 2026 World Cup

"The acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) told a congressional committee on Tuesday that his agency is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup and refused to commit to pausing operations near games at this summer's tournament. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted this summer by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with 78 of the 104 games taking place in the US."

"Various entities have estimated that up to 10 million people could visit the 11 US host cities for the quadrennial tournament. However, ICE's role in Donald Trump's immigration crackdown including an extended and widespread operation in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area in which two people were killed by federal agents has raised serious concerns among fans. Speaking before the House committee on homeland security, Todd Lyons was testifying publicly for the first time since the deaths of those two Minnesotans, Alex Pretti and Renee Good."

"ICE, specifically Homeland Security Investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup, Lyons said. We are dedicated to securing that operation and we are dedicated to the security of all of our participants as well as visitors. Pou responded: You realize that if [fans] feel they are going to be wrongfully incarcerated, wrongfully pulled out, that is going to hurt this entire process?"

ICE acting director Todd Lyons told lawmakers that ICE is a key part of the security apparatus for the 2026 World Cup and declined to promise pausing operations near matches. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with 78 of 104 games in the United States and estimates of up to 10 million visitors to 11 US host cities. ICE's involvement in aggressive immigration enforcement, including a Minneapolis–Saint Paul operation that resulted in two deaths, has stirred fan concern. Representative Nellie Pou warned that fears of wrongful detention could damage the event. Lyons reiterated ICE's dedication to securing the operation and protecting participants and visitors but offered no commitment to suspend enforcement activities around World Cup events.

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