In a move that has garnered significant attention, ICE will show up at the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami, deploying federal agents to ensure American security standards at the international event.
The administration’s decision to assign ICE and CBP agents to the month-long tournament beginning June 14 represents a significant shift in how global sporting events are secured on American soil.
Critics are already claiming intimidation, while security experts praise the comprehensive approach.
Under President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement, ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents will provide security for the FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
This deployment is part of a coordinated effort between federal and local law enforcement to ensure safety at the prestigious international tournament, which will run from June 14 to July 13.
The federal presence marks a substantial commitment to event security that aligns with the administration’s approach to immigration and border security.
CBP initially promoted its involvement on social media with the hashtag “#CBPxFIFA,” though some posts were reportedly later removed, raising questions about messaging coordination.
CBP’s security role includes using X-ray technology to scan vehicles for weapons and explosives while deploying experts to prevent counterfeit merchandise at the event.
The agency will support local and state police with security, emergency management, and threat detection capabilities that only federal agencies can provide.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed concerns about the federal presence, focusing instead on fan safety as the tournament’s priority:
“No, I don’t have any concerns about anything in the sense that we are very attentive on any security question. Of course, the most important for us is to guarantee security for all the fans who come to the games. This is our priority.”
The FIFA Club World Cup kicks off Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, and the Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE and CBP personnel would be at the game providing security. https://t.co/YvthVPDtER
— NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) June 11, 2025
Despite liberal claims that the presence of immigration officials might intimidate attendees, officials have clarified that CBP will not be checking immigration status at the event.
Nevertheless, ICE has advised non-citizens to carry proof of legal status—a standard recommendation consistent with existing immigration laws that have long been in place but are now being properly enforced.
Moreover, Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz emphasized that local police are focused on gameday security rather than immigration enforcement.
“We are in charge of security at the stadium for Club World Cup,” Sheriff Cordero-Stutz said. “While we’re working with our state and local partners, that is not our priority that day.”
The Club World Cup comes to Miami as part of the expanded 32-team tournament, which features elite clubs from around the world, including Chelsea FC, Real Madrid, and hometown favorite Inter Miami CF.
The comprehensive security approach reflects lessons learned from past incidents, such as the 2024 Copa America Final crowd rush, which created chaos and endangered spectators.
While some progressive activists have attempted to generate controversy about the federal presence, security experts noted that major international sporting events routinely feature heightened security measures.
The deployment of federal resources demonstrates the administration’s commitment to protecting Americans and international visitors at high-profile events that bad actors could target.
A CBP spokesperson reinforced this standard approach:
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the FIFA Club World Cup 26TM is safe for everyone involved, as we do with every major sporting event, including the Super Bowl. Our mission remains unchanged.”
As the tournament approaches, the Trump administration’s security measures represent a return to law and order principles that prioritize public safety and national security while hosting international events in America.
