President Donald Trump’s enhanced border security measures are on full display as ICE and CBP agents prepare to secure the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami.
Federal immigration enforcement officials will provide unprecedented protection at the international sporting event starting June 14.
This will significantly shift how America handles security at major gatherings under President Trump’s second term.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be on-site at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens throughout the month-long tournament.
This deployment represents a noteworthy escalation in federal security presence at sporting events and aligns with the administration’s stronger stance on immigration enforcement nationwide.
CBP briefly promoted its involvement on social media using the hashtag “#CBPxFIFA,” though some posts were reportedly removed later.
The agency will employ advanced security measures, including X-ray technology, to scan vehicles for weapons and explosives and prevent counterfeit merchandise from being sold at the event.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino dismissed concerns about the presence of federal immigration enforcement, focusing instead on spectator safety.
“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,” Infantino stated.
Moreover, ICE activity has substantially increased across the United States during Trump’s second presidency, with the administration taking a firm stance on illegal immigration.
While federal authorities maintain they will not be actively checking immigration status at the event, ICE has advised non-citizens to carry proof of legal status – a practical measure for those attending the tournament.
Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz clarified that local police will focus primarily on game-day security operations.
“We are in charge of security at the stadium for Club World Cup,” Sheriff Cordero-Stutz said.
He added, “While we’re working with our state and local partners, that is not our priority that day.”
The enhanced security measures come after troubling incidents at previous international soccer tournaments, including the chaotic crowd rush at the 2024 Copa America Final.
The Club World Cup, running from June 14 to July 13, features 32 elite teams, including Chelsea FC, Real Madrid, and Inter Miami CF. It is a high-profile event requiring top-tier security.
Analysts have suggested the federal presence might intimidate certain attendees, particularly immigrants.
Still, supporters pointed out that such security measures are becoming standard at major international events in an increasingly dangerous world.
The Department of Homeland Security’s involvement demonstrates the administration’s commitment to keeping Americans safe at large gatherings.
The Trump administration’s approach reflects its broader policy priorities: securing America’s borders and enforcing immigration laws.
It will also ensure that American citizens can safely enjoy international sporting events without fear of terrorist threats or other security concerns.
