ICE Director Does Not Rule Out Enforcement Near World Cup Sites, Says Agency Is Committed to a 'Safe and Secure Event'

Acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,Todd Lyons, told lawmakers that the agency will play a central security role at this summer's World Cup and declined to commit to pausing enforcement operations near match venues, saying ICE is focused on delivering a "safe and secure event."

Testifying before the House Homeland Security Committee, Lyons said the agency, including Homeland Security Investigations, is a "key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup." When asked whether ICE would halt operations around tournament sites, Lyons did not offer such a guarantee.

"We are dedicated to securing that operation and we are dedicated to the security of all of our participants as well as visitors," Lyons said, as The Guardian reports.

Rep. Nellie Pou of New Jersey, whose district includes MetLife Stadium — host of the World Cup final and several other matches — warned that fan "confidence is plummeting and jeopardizing the World Cup" and said fears of wrongful detention near games could hurt attendance.

"You realize that if [fans] feel they are going to be wrongfully incarcerated, wrongfully pulled out, that is going to hurt this entire process?" she said, to which Lyons responded by saying that "ICE is dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event."

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The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, with most matches taking place in U.S. cities. Organizers and local officials have previously raised concerns that immigration enforcement actions could create uncertainty for international visitors, and limited boycott calls have emerged tied to enforcement policies.

The hearing marked the first time the heads of ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services appeared before Congress since two civilians were killed during a federal immigration operation in Minnesota. The session exposed sharp divisions between lawmakers over enforcement tactics and oversight.

As The Washington Post points out, Lyons defended ICE's conduct and rejected comparisons of agents to secret police, telling the committee that hostile rhetoric has contributed to what he called "the deadliest operating environment" for officers.

Lyons also said agents face rising threats and assaults and argued that protective measures such as face coverings are tied to safety concerns. He also noted that thousands of officers are now using body cameras, with broader deployment planned.

Democratic lawmakers present in the hearing called for tighter restrictions, including nationwide body camera mandates and limits on masked operations, while many Republicans emphasized agent safety and continued support for enforcement activities.

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