ICE Issue Statement on World Cup Plans After Renee Good and Alex Pretti Deaths

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued an update on its plans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place between June and July 2026, with venues in 11 American cities set to host matches.

Of the 104 games scheduled, 78 will take place in the US while the other 26 will take place across neighbouring Mexico and Canada.

And despite most supporters, no doubt, looking forward to watching the 48-team tournament, concerns remain over the potential presence of ICE agents in and around stadiums.

Since US President Donald Trump assumed office in January 2025, operations have increased across the US, which has resulted in criticism from around the world.

In January of 2026, two US citizens – Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good – were shot dead by agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which led to widespread protests and outrage.

ICE agents are responsible for investigations into illegal immigration in the US (Credit:Getty)

According to Trac Immigration, as of January 25, 2026, ICE held 70,766 people in detention, with most detainees housed in Texas - one of the states set to host World Cup matches.

Some have even suggested that the US should be stripped of hosting the tournament, although there is no indication from FIFA that this is being considered at this time.

It also remains unclear whether ICE agents will be present at the World Cup.

However, as reported by The Guardian, the acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has offered some insight into the plans ahead of the tournament.

Speaking on Tuesday (February 10), Todd Lyons said that agents will play a “key part” in security measures surrounding the tournament.

“ICE, specifically Homeland Security Investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup,” Lyons said. “We are dedicated to securing that operation, and we are dedicated to the security of all of our participants as well as visitors.”

New Jersey’s ninth district representative, Nellie Pou, then responded: “You realise that if [fans] feel they are going to be wrongfully incarcerated, wrongfully pulled out, that is going to hurt this entire process? I hope you realise that.”

Lyons, who had earlier said that ICE had arrested 379,000 people over the past 12 months, then hit back by saying that “ICE is dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event.”

ICE agents’ presence at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics was met with protests in Milan earlier in February. The agents are providing security for the United States delegation in Italy.