By Paul Joseph
The acting leader of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) informed a congressional committee that the agency will be “a crucial part of the overall security framework for the World Cup” when asked if operations would be suspended during this summer’s tournament.
Todd Lyons, along with other senior officials, faced questions from lawmakers on the House Committee on Homeland Security following the shooting deaths of two American citizens by ICE agents during President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.
The fatalities of Alex Pretti and Renee Good ignited widespread outrage across the nation.
Representative Nellie Pou, from New Jersey’s ninth district—which includes MetLife Stadium, the venue for the World Cup final—queried Lyons about ICE’s commitment to halting operations during matches and other FIFA events.
She expressed concern that visitors’ confidence was “declining and threatening the World Cup.”
Lyons replied, emphasizing that ICE is “committed to securing that operation and ensuring the safety of all participants and visitors.”
Pou remarked, “You understand that if [fans] believe they might be wrongfully detained or removed, it will negatively impact the entire event?”
“Yes ma’am, and ICE is committed to making sure that everyone attending the events will have a safe and secure experience,” Lyons answered.
Both Good and Pretti, US citizens, were shot multiple times during enforcement actions.
Their deaths, along with ICE’s broader operations, sparked outrage in Minneapolis, where approximately 3,000 agents were deployed under Trump’s orders to target illegal immigration. Some of these agents have since departed the city.
Last month, the fan organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) expressed “extreme concern about the ongoing militarization of police forces in the US” ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America.
The European Democratic Party (EDP) also indicated it might urge national football federations to consider withdrawing from the tournament if safety assurances are not provided.
FIFA has stated that the safety and security of fans and participants is its “top priority,” noting that it collaborates closely with local authorities “to plan, coordinate, and implement comprehensive security measures for the tournament.”
The US is set to host 78 matches across 11 cities, while co-hosts Canada and Mexico will each host 13 matches.
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