Border Patrol's FIFA World Cup Power Trip
CBP’s deleted brag post fuels fears that Trump’s immigration crackdown is now stadium policy.
WASHINGTON — A now-deleted social media post from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announcing its presence at the FIFA Club World Cup opener in Miami has sparked international controversy just days before the tournament begins.
CBP had posted on Facebook: “Let the games begin. The first #FIFAClubWorldCup games start on June 14th in Miami, FL at the Hard Rock Stadium. CBP will be suited and booted and ready to provide security for the first round of games. #CBPxFIFA #FootballUnitesTheWorld.” The post was removed following direct outreach from FIFA officials, according to individuals familiar with the discussions.
The move comes as immigration enforcement actions across the United States escalate, prompting widespread protests, particularly in Los Angeles. President Donald Trump’s deployment of Marines to the city in response to opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has heightened tensions ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between Mexico and the Dominican Republic on Saturday.
FIFA declined to comment on its communication with CBP, but a spokesperson for CBP confirmed the agency's role in securing the event. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the FIFA Club World Cup is safe for everyone involved, as we do with every major sporting event, including the Super Bowl. Our mission remains unchanged,” the agency said in a statement.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said the primary focus at the opener “will be safety and security.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed the controversy, saying, “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.”
However, critics argue that CBP’s tone in the now-deleted post was intimidating. “It’s sort of alluding that people should have their paperwork in order to attend the games,” said Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition in comments to NBC6. “It may make potential fans less likely to come watch the games because of just sheer intimidation.”
ICE has confirmed that its agents will be present at the Club World Cup opener, though the agency and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions about their roles or the deleted post.
Security at Hard Rock Stadium is already under scrutiny after last year’s Copa América final, when a rush of fans delayed kickoff by over an hour and led to dozens of arrests.
Meanwhile, L.A. remains the epicenter of national protests after ICE raids in areas including a Home Depot and the downtown Fashion District. Hundreds have been arrested, and unrest has spread to other cities. California has sued the federal government, seeking to block Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the U.S. enforcement tactics on Monday, saying, “Los Angeles wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for the Mexicans who live there,” and vowed to use “all diplomatic and legal channels available” to protect Mexican communities in the U.S.
The Gold Cup and Club World Cup are occurring under exceptional circumstances. The Trump administration has carved out exemptions to its latest travel ban for players, staff, and their immediate families from the 20 restricted countries—but fans are not included, the State Department confirmed.
FIFA is attempting to boost attendance amid the backlash. College students in Miami have been offered discounted tickets—five for $20—to see Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami face Egypt’s Al-Ahly in Saturday’s opener.
CONCACAF, which governs North American, Central American, and Caribbean soccer, relocated the Mexican national team from its downtown L.A. hotel for safety. “We will continue to actively monitor developments as we work towards delivering a world-class tournament that highlights the best of our sport in a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all,” the federation said.
With both the Gold Cup and Club World Cup underway this weekend, immigration enforcement and political unrest loom over the U.S.’s ability to safely host the world’s most watched sport.