As the world prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami, ICE agents are taking a proactive role in securing the event as part of President Trump’s commitment to enhanced national security and border protection.
The presence of federal immigration officers at this international sporting event demonstrates the administration’s seriousness in securing large gatherings against threats.
At the same time, it ensures the immigration laws are respected throughout the tournament.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will provide security for the FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens when the tournament begins this Saturday.
The tournament, running through July 13, brings together 32 qualified teams from around the world, including Chelsea FC, Real Madrid, and Inter Miami CF.
Federal agencies will work alongside local law enforcement to ensure the month-long international event proceeds safely.
While some have raised concerns about the federal presence, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed confidence in the security arrangements:
“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.”
ICE agents could show up at the FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup in the U.S.
The Customs and Border Protection agency posted on Facebook that they would be at the Club World Cup opener in Miami, then deleted the post.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 11, 2025
The deployment comes amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement strategy.
In May, Madison Sheahan, deputy ICE director, made the administration’s position clear during a news conference in Miramar: “If you are in this country illegally, you are a criminal.”
CBP will provide crucial security technology for the event, including X-ray scanning of vehicles for weapons and explosives.
The agency will also deploy experts to prevent counterfeit merchandise sales, protecting both legitimate vendors and consumers from fraud.
While CBP has stated they will not be checking immigration status as part of their security duties, ICE has advised illegal aliens attending the games to bring documentation proving their legal status.
A CBP spokesperson said in a statement:
“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.”
At the same time, Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz clarified local law enforcement’s role:
“We are in charge of security at the stadium for Club World Cup. While we’re working with our state and local partners, that is not our priority that day.”
The enhanced security measures come in response to past incidents at international soccer events, including the chaotic crowd rush at the 2024 Copa America Final.
The federal presence ensures that both domestic and international threats are addressed with appropriate resources and expertise.
Left-wing activists have predictably criticized the security arrangements, claiming the presence of immigration authorities creates “intimidation.”
However, law-abiding citizens and legal visitors have nothing to fear from increased security that protects everyone while ensuring the country’s laws are respected.
Although some argue that the increased federal presence might intimidate certain groups of attendees, officials stress that ICE and CBP are focused exclusively on maintaining safety.
