Immigration and Customs Enforcement is expected to have a presence at the World Cup, but officials insist the focus will be on security, not rounding up undocumented immigrants.
Homeland Security Investigations, a division of ICE, generally has a presence at sporting events, including the Super Bowl, to crackdown on counterfeit goods as well as combat trafficking. An ICE spokesperson told CNN that their mission will remain the same during the World Cup.
“ICE and HSI will be working with local and federal partners to secure the FIFA World Cup,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “They will play a pivotal role in combatting human trafficking as well as stopping counterfeit merchandise and counterfeit ticket sales.”
Homeland Security officials have tried to tamp down concerns from fans in the lead up to the tournament, fueled by the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement campaign.
“International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about,” said DHS spokeswoman Lauren Bis in a statement.
