U.S. immigration and border enforcement agents will be present at venues hosting FIFA Club World Cup matches beginning this weekend, according to a report by NBC’s Miami affiliate. The tournament kicks off on Saturday with a high-profile opener between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly.
The report cited a now-deleted social media post by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which stated: “Let the games begin! The first FIFA Club World Cup games start on June 14th in Miami. CBP will be suited and booted and ready to provide security for the first round of games.”
Alongside CBP, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are also expected to be on the ground, though the exact nature and scope of their roles remain unclear. NBC did not report how many agents would be deployed or what responsibilities they would undertake during the tournament.
The timing of the deployment has sparked concern, coming days after ICE conducted immigration raids in Los Angeles as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown, which has triggered widespread protests.
When asked about the involvement of federal immigration officers at Club World Cup events, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sought to reassure fans.
“No, I don’t have any concerns,” Infantino said at an event in Miami. “Of course, the most important for us is to guarantee security for all the fans who come to the games. This is our priority and that of all the authorities involved. We want everyone to have a good time.”
An ICE spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
The Club World Cup, expanded under new FIFA rules, is expected to draw large international crowds, with Miami serving as one of the key host cities. Security around the tournament has been under heightened scrutiny due to ongoing national tensions around immigration policy.
Written By Rodney Mbua
