Immigration and border agents from the United States will be stationed at venues hosting FIFA Club World Cup matches as the tournament kicks off this weekend, according to a report from NBC’s Miami affiliate on Wednesday.
The report revealed that personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be present at Saturday’s opening match between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly.
A now-deleted social media post from CBP confirmed their involvement, stating: “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.”
While the NBC report didn’t specify the exact roles or the number of ICE and CBP agents involved, it comes amid heightened immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles last week that sparked public protests.
ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking in Miami, downplayed concerns over the deployment of ICE agents at Club World Cup matches.
“I don’t have any concerns in that sense,” Infantino said. “We are very attentive to any security matter. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of all fans attending the games. That’s also the focus of all the local authorities involved. We want everyone to enjoy a great experience.”
