ICE to Play 'Key' Role in 2026 World Cup Security Amid U.S. Unrest

Concerns grow over foreign fan treatment as political tensions rise ahead of tournament

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Todd Lyons confirmed that ICE agents will play a 'key part' in security efforts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lyons' comments came during a House panel discussion, where he addressed concerns from Representative Nellie Pou about the potential for 'wrongful incarceration' of foreign fans amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup is set to draw over 1 million visitors to the U.S. amid a backdrop of rising political tensions, including President Trump's threats against Democratic-led host cities and proposals for increased scrutiny of foreign visitors. There are widespread concerns that the unrest could worsen in the lead-up to the tournament, potentially impacting the experience for international fans and the U.S. men's national team.

The details

ICE director Lyons stated that the agency's Homeland Security Investigations division will be a 'key part' of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup, dedicated to 'securing the operation and ensuring the safety of all participants and visitors.' This comes as concerns mount over the potential for foreign fans to be 'wrongfully incarcerated' during the event. The 2026 World Cup will feature 78 matches across 11 U.S. cities, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off in less than five months.
  • In late 2025, President Trump targeted several Democratic-run World Cup host cities as 'unsafe' and threatened to move certain games, though no action was taken.
  • At the start of 2026, President Trump revealed his desire to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, for national security purposes, prompting calls for a World Cup boycott.

The players

Todd Lyons

Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Nellie Pou

Representative of the 9th district of New Jersey, who voiced concerns over foreign fans being 'wrongfully incarcerated' during the World Cup.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, whose immigration policies and comments have raised concerns about the treatment of foreign fans at the 2026 World Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino

Manager of the U.S. men's national team, who has spoken out against his players commenting on anything other than their actions on the pitch.

Renee Good

A person killed by U.S. federal agents in Minneapolis, further exacerbating the volatile situation in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“ICE, specifically homeland security investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup. We're dedicated to securing that operation and to ensuring the safety of all participants and visitors.”

— Todd Lyons, Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (wtaj.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.