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Club World Cup: ICE, CBP deployment raises concerns ahead of Miami opener

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Club World Cup ICE and CBP deployment

US border and immigration agents, ICE and CBP, will be deployed at Club World Cup venues, including Inter Miami vs Al Ahly. FIFA says fan safety remains a priority

United States immigration and border enforcement agents will be present at FIFA Club World Cup venues this weekend, according to a US media report that has sparked concern among football fans and civil rights observers.

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NBC Miami reported on Wednesday that officers from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be stationed at match venues, starting with Saturday’s opening fixture between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egyptian side Al Ahly.

The report cited a now-deleted social media post from CBP, which read: “Let the games begin! The first FIFA Club World Cup games start on June 14th in Miami. CBP will be suited and booted and ready to provide security for the first round of games.”

No further details were given regarding the specific roles or numbers of ICE and CBP personnel to be deployed at the tournament, which has drawn international attention due to the high-profile clubs and players involved.

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The presence of ICE officers, particularly in the wake of controversial immigration raids carried out in Los Angeles last week, has triggered alarm among immigrant communities and human rights advocates. Protests erupted in L.A. after the raids, seen by many as part of former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

While an ICE spokesperson declined to comment, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sought to ease concerns when asked about the matter during an event in Miami.

“No, I don’t have any concerns about anything in the sense that we are very attentive to any security question,” Infantino said. “Of course, the most important thing for us is to guarantee security for all the fans who come to the games.

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This is our priority. This is the priority of all the authorities who are here. And we want everyone who comes to the games to have a good moment.”

As the tournament prepares to kick off, questions remain over the decision to involve immigration authorities in what is typically a festive international sporting occasion.

Also read: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle praises players after victory over Rwanda

Advocates warn that such measures may deter attendance and create an atmosphere of fear, especially among migrant communities.

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