The World Cup 2026 With 48 teams and three venues, it will be the largest in history: USA, Mexico and Canada. But while the event promises to stand out, it also delivered Worriesthis because of the Immigration policy imposed by the government Donald Trumpwhich increased it operating throughout the United States.
Given the uncertainty as to whether the Immigration and customs control (ICEfor its acronym in English) could occur Immigration controls In the sporting events that will take place in the North American country, one of those involved was recently asked who didn’t rule out the possibility.
A few days ago in an interview for SkyNewsAndrew Giuliani, who leads the White House task force for the 2026 World Cup, said: “What I can also tell you is that the President (Trump) never rules anything out when it comes to secure protection, whether StadiumsFanfests, American Citizens and so on international visitors “They come here for an event like the World Cup.”
“So I know that Nothing is excluded that can really help. to the a Stadium is safer“, he added.
Giuliani’s statement opened the door to speculation and controversy because it shows that the Immigration officials could be present at gameswhich in turn creates Fear in the migrant community that I could go to a meeting and that tourists who will take part in the sporting event.
Giuliani commented on the matter: “The Security is key And the president is focused not only on our World Cup, but also on American and U.S. security international visitors who travel here.” In particular, he wants the World Cup to be a welcoming event, but he also wants to ensure their safety.
Human Rights Watch presented the case of a man who was arrested in New Jersey before the final of the Club World Cup. He was in the mall parking lot. American Dream Mallnear the MetLife Stadiumwith two of his children, ages 10 and 14, was waiting for the game to start when he was arrested by immigration officials.
Temple University’s Beasley School of Law also pointed to a few cases of computer break-ins. ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBPfor its acronym in English), which caused concern during the year Club World Cup.
He explains that as part of the events surrounding the tournament, a boat party was held attended by officials from the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) and the mayor of Miami-Dade County, to whom CBP agents boarded the ship to question crew members about their immigration status.
When it came time for the opening game, CBP was also present Hard Rock Stadium indicates a publication by the faculty.
In view of these events and their impact on the World Cup 2026, Human Rights Watch has sent a letter to the FIFA PresidentGianni Infantino, to point out the problems of US immigration policy and its implementation.
The letter, signed by more than fifty civil society organizations, called on Infantino to use his influence and that of the sports federation demand that the US government guarantee the basic rights of Millions of visitors and fans who will attend the games.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive to ICE and CBP on January 20, 2025, replacing and rescinding an October 2021 memorandum establishing this Certain locations require special immigration protections of the United States.
DHS regulations Police operations in or near protected areas This year recognizes that “officers often They exercise police discretion to balance a variety of interests. including the extent to which police operations take place in a sensitive location.”
He adds: “From now on Police officers “We should continue to use this discretion together with a good dose of common sense,” this could indicate that detention decisions in the World Cup games would remain Discretion of ICE and CBP agents.
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