Overview
- ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons told a House panel that the agency, particularly Homeland Security Investigations, will be a key part of security for the U.S. World Cup matches.
- Lyons pledged safety for participants and visitors but offered no details on the agency’s operational footprint at or near tournament venues.
- Rep. Nellie Pou asked whether ICE would conduct raids or arrests around World Cup events, and Lyons declined to answer.
- Advocacy groups and some local officials warn that visible immigration enforcement could deter attendance and create a chilling effect in immigrant communities.
- The U.S. is set to host 78 of 104 matches from June 11 to July 19, and a State Department FIFA PASS program speeds visa appointment scheduling for ticket holders without guaranteeing entry.