ICE in the Bleachers: Immigration Raids Collide with World Cup Security Planning
Police officials sound the alarm that federal immigration tactics—especially in sanctuary cities—are deterring public cooperation and jeopardizing crisis response during international games.
WASHINGTON — With less than a year until the United States hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, law enforcement officials told Congress last week that delays in federal funding, gaps in drone security authority, and intensified immigration raids are hampering local efforts to prepare for the country’s largest international gatherings in decades.
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At a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing on July 22 (Hat-tip: The Fulcrum), police officials and former security leaders emphasized the need for swift coordination and warned that current policies—including aggressive immigration enforcement—could endanger public safety during the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.
“We have a lot of work to do ahead of these events, but this hearing is a strong first step to ensure the incidents we discussed today never happen again,” said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the subcommittee, during the hearing.
Delayed Funds and Looming Deadlines
Officials testified that although President Donald Trump’s 2025 budget includes $625 million for World Cup security, cities have not received that funding. Kansas City, Missouri, which is set to host six matches, has yet to receive any federal dollars.
“To date, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department has not received any federal funds toward the planning and preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves.
Graves said the lack of resources has left cities with “limited time to prepare security measures and equipment for the event,” as the first matches are less than a year away.
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Rep. Nellie Pou (D-N.J.) noted that approximately $2.4 billion in FEMA grants to combat terrorism had been held up because the application guidelines had not been released as of mid-July. “Cities and states needed that money,” she said.
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