As the 2026 World Cup approaches, fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) says it is increasingly concerned about federal law enforcement activity in the United States.
The Trump administration has launched an immigration crackdown in cities across the country over the past year.
advertise
The latest activity occurred in Minnesota, where federal agents killed two U.S. citizens in the past month. Violence has been a major concern for the FSE, with the agency telling BBC Sport it was “extremely concerned about the continued militarization of US police forces”
FSE executive director Ronan Evain said FIFA had not provided enough safety information for traveling fans.
“At this stage, traveling fans have little idea of what is allowed or prohibited at FIFA venues, or what police will do elsewhere in the country,” Evan said.
“It is still unclear what will be allowed in the stadium, who will be deployed at the venue, which police forces will be working where, etc.
advertise
“Reports that the United States has yet to invite a visiting police delegation or so-called observers, unprecedented in the modern history of the World Cup, only exacerbates these concerns.”
US authorities have not ruled out the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials at the World Cup, despite growing concerns about the safety of fans during the World Cup.
In response to these concerns, FIFA reiterated that the safety of fans and participants is its “top priority”.
FIFA told BBC Sport: “The U.S. government will invite participating nations, host cities and host nations to send law enforcement representatives to the International Police Cooperation Center near Washington, D.C., to ensure close international coordination on safety and security matters.”
advertise
“In addition, some host cities may invite international police observers to integrate into the local area.
“FIFA values ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, including supporting organizations, and has raised its safety philosophy on a number of occasions.
“FIFA is confident that these collective efforts will ensure a safe, secure and welcoming environment for all involved.”
The World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada and will be held from June 11 to July 19.
This article originally appeared in USA TODAY: Fan groups ‘concerned’ about ICE activities ahead of World Cup
