ICE may be at World Cup matches in U.S.

EXCLUSIVESoccerSoccerICE may be at World Cup matches in U.S. The agency is offering its personnel to local police departments and federal agencies to provide extra security around the perimeters of games, officials told NBC News. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., during a media event Tuesday for the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament.Jae C. Hong / APShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 13, 2026, 6:00 AM EDTBy Julia AinsleyFederal officers and agents who arrest immigrants as part of their work with ICE may be at FIFA World Cup matches when the international tournament gets underway in the U.S. next month, according to two Department of Homeland Security officials.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The agency is offering its personnel to local police departments and federal agencies to provide extra security around the perimeters of games, similar to Homeland Security’s role at the Super Bowl and the Kentucky Derby, the officials said. So far, it’s unclear whether any departments or agencies are taking ICE up on the offer. But ICE officers and agents providing security won’t be checking spectators or employees for immigration status, the officials said.“Our agents and officers are going to provide security when asked, but they will not be screening people for immigration status,” one of the officials said, adding that whether the ICE officers wear uniforms would depend on each location.A spokesperson for DHS said in a statement that the department “will work with our local and federal partners to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup — in line with federal law the U.S. Constitution — as we do with every major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the entire world.” The DHS spokesperson said international visitors legally in the U.S. for the games “have nothing to worry about.”    "What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or...