The Department of Homeland Security has launched a major multiagency effort aimed at securing the FIFA World Cup games across the United States as the event gets underway.
The department will deploy a collection of its 270,000 employees to assist in securing the World Cup through counterterrorism, emergency response, border security, and criminal investigations — but not immigration enforcement.
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“Our brave DHS law enforcement and intelligence officials are working diligently to ensure a safe World Cup for Americans and international visitors to enjoy,” a DHS spokesperson wrote in a statement. “DHS is working around the clock with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify and mitigate potential threats to World Cup matches, fan fests, and to a travel sector that will see a dramatic increase in traffic.”
Federal resources are being deployed based on DHS’s special event assessment ratings. Events with a SEAR 1 score are defined as significant events with national and/or international importance that require extensive federal interagency support, whereas SEAR 2 events are ones that “may require some” federal assistance.
The DHS has not disclosed how many employees from various federal agencies will be pulled from their normal work to assist with the games before, during the June 12 through July 19 games, and afterward.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Wednesday that “everybody’s a little behind” when it comes to defensive preparations for the possibility of drones, which pose a possible threat to the tournament.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Mullin has said that ICE and its investigative arm, Homeland Security Investigations, will be present at World Cup venues.
“ICE and HSI will be out there every day,” Mullin said in a video posted to X. “Fighting against counterfeit tickets, human trafficking, drug smuggling, counterfeit products. They’re going to be working hand-in-hand along with CBP along the way.”
Mullin told CBS News that ICE will not be at the venues to “round up” illegal immigrants.
Customs and Border Protection
As the federal agency that inspects all people, vehicles, and goods entering the U.S, CBP’s Office of Field Operations officers will be at sea ports, airports, and land ports of entry verifying travel credentials of the up to 7 million foreign fans and athletes expected to travel to the U.S. for the games.
“When travelers plan ahead and use tools like our Trusted Traveler Programs and Mobile Passport Control, it helps us uphold border security, protect U.S. agriculture and ensure a seamless and efficient traveler experience,” said CBP OFO Admissibility and Passenger Programs Executive Director Matthew S. Davies in a statement.
To date, 5 million ESTA applicants have been approved for the Visa Waiver Program, with more than 20% from the United Kingdom, and 10% each from France, Germany, and Japan.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA awarded $625 million to host cities in March to prepare for the games, with an additional $250 million solely for protecting against dangerous drones. It has led training for more than 238,000 local emergency managers and first responders across the 11 host cities, teaching how to handle mass-casualty situations and special event safety.
Law enforcement and security officials tasked with maintaining public safety at the games told lawmakers in Washington in February that drones used to surveil the public, as well as carry out attacks from the sky, are a serious cause for concern as they plan countermeasures, according to Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association.
The Federal Aviation Administration has established “no drone zones” by imposing temporary flight restrictions over stadiums hosting matches.
“Drone operators should expect swift action if they violate restricted airspace,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement.
Other types of assistance
Transportation Security Administration officers are handling security for the 11 U.S. host city venues, as well as at transportation hubs in those cities.
Agencies such as CBP and HSI have historically played a role working as security at the Super Bowl every year, as well as identifying trafficking rings and arresting those involved.
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The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has issued a notice urging financial institutions, such as casinos, the insurance industry, mortgage companies, money services companies, jewelers, securities and futures, and depository institutions, to be on the lookout for payments related to illegal services.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to draw millions of foreign and domestic visitors, and individuals visiting or residing near host cities may be vulnerable to sex or labor trafficking by perpetrators seeking to exploit the surge in economic activity,” FinCEN wrote in a press release. “Financial institutions should exercise vigilance to detect and report suspicious activity connected to potential human trafficking.”
