DHS Chief Clarifies ICE's Role During FIFA World Cup, Dismisses 'Round Up' Rumors
ICE will be at World Cup, but not to ‘round up’ migrants, DHS chief says
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US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not conduct mass arrests of migrants during the FIFA World Cup events. Instead, the agency will focus on addressing crimes such as counterfeit products while maintaining a law enforcement presence.
- 01ICE has been present at major sporting events since 2003, but its role will not include immigration enforcement during the World Cup.
- 02Markwayne Mullin emphasized that ICE's focus will be on crimes like counterfeit goods rather than rounding up migrants.
- 03Mullin mentioned that ICE may make arrests if they encounter serious criminals at events, but this is not their primary purpose.
- 04FIFA officials reportedly requested a moratorium on ICE raids during the tournament, hoping to influence US policies.
- 05The increased scrutiny of ICE follows US President Donald Trump's administration's focus on immigration enforcement since his return to office in 2025.
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Markwayne Mullin, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, addressed concerns regarding the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. In an interview with CBS News, Mullin clarified that ICE would not be conducting mass round-ups of migrants at the events, a concern heightened by the agency's controversial history under President Donald Trump's administration since 2025. Instead, he stated that ICE's presence would focus on addressing issues like counterfeit products and other crimes typically associated with large sporting events. Mullin asserted, "We're not there to go round up masses of individuals, but we are always looking for the worst of the worst." This statement comes amid reports that senior FIFA officials had urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a pause on ICE operations during the tournament, hoping to mitigate any negative impact on the event. The clarification aims to ease fears surrounding ICE's involvement as the US prepares to co-host the World Cup.
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The clarification from the DHS may alleviate fears among migrant communities and attendees regarding potential ICE actions during the World Cup.
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