The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has begun in the United States, but the excitement surrounding the tournament is overshadowed by anxiety and fear among immigrant communities.
The heightened tension stems not from the matches themselves, but from the confirmed attendance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the event.
The federal government has characterized this deployment as part of standard security measures for international events. However, many see it as an extension of the stringent immigration policies adopted during the administration of President Donald Trump.
Concerns began to escalate earlier this month when CBP announced on social media that they would be “suited and booted” to ensure security at the tournament’s matches.
The social media post was quickly deleted after it garnered backlash and negative reactions from the community and FIFA itself. Nonetheless, the initial announcement had already sparked fears among advocates that it signaled a troubling alert for attendees.
Tensions were further amplified on June 11, when Coast Guard and CBP agents boarded a floating barge off the coast of Miami, where the tournament’s kickoff celebration was taking place. Reports indicated that some attendees at the stadium were asked to provide identification confirming their legal status.
This led Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to assert that such actions were unacceptable. Mayor Cava stated, “This should not have happened. It is essential to ensure that all members of the community feel safe and included to maintain our reputation as a destination that welcomes residents and visitors.”
ICE confirmed their involvement to a local television station, stating their agents would assist with security throughout the tournament. They also advised non-citizens to carry proof of their legal status, a message that was perceived as a direct threat in cities like Miami and Los Angeles, where a significant portion of the soccer fanbase is composed of immigrants.
The participation of federal agencies in mass gatherings has been justified as routine for events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympic Games. However, former acting ICE director John Sandweg pointed out that given the current administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, these normal practices have taken on a more suspicious tone.
He remarked, “You never know with this administration, the aggression they’re showing on immigration enforcement, whether they have other intentions as well.”
Supporters of the immigrant community raised alarm bells citing past incidents to justify the heightened security, referencing a chaotic scene during the Copa América final last year in Miami, when stadium security was overwhelmed and thousands of fans forced their entry.
Vice President J. D. Vance discussed the fan experience at a recent press conference, expressing that while they desired attendees to enjoy the matches, there was an expectation for them to leave after the event concluded.
“…otherwise they will have to talk to Secretary Noem,” he warned, alongside President Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
His statement made it clear that the event is being framed not only as a celebration but as a potential opportunity for detaining undocumented individuals.
Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition characterized ICE’s reminder about carrying proof of legal status as intimidating. “If I didn’t have status, I would probably stay away altogether,” he noted, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in the community.
Looking forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, as well as the 2028 Summer Olympics, it remains crucial for the U.S. to handle security and community relations carefully. These future events are expected to bring millions of visitors from around the globe.
The Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams from 20 countries including prominent clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City, is viewed as a test of the U.S.’s ability to manage these issues in a high-stakes environment.
Advocates are warning that without a shift in how immigrant communities are treated, the U.S. risks damaging its image as a welcoming host for international events.
George Escobar, from the advocacy group CASA, remarked on the current situation: “This is not a description of the buildup toward the 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin. This is how the Trump regime welcomes the world.”
As the tournament unfolds, the challenge for the U.S. will be to balance security with inclusivity, ensuring all attendees feel safe and welcomed.
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