The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has announced that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency will be significantly involved in maintaining security during the World Cup set to take place in June. Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, emphasized its importance, stating that the agency's role would be 'key' in safeguarding the event expected to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees. However, this move has sparked alarm among potential participants who fear aggressive enforcement strategies will be employed.

Many critics have raised concerns about ICE's practices, which have come under scrutiny for the arbitrary detentions and excessive force used against not only undocumented immigrants but also American citizens who protest against human rights violations. During a congressional panel, Lyons was questioned about these allegations, particularly the impact of ICE's presence at a large-scale international event such as the World Cup, where fans from diverse backgrounds might be subjected to unjust treatment.

The potential for arrests and deportations has become a pressing issue as the tournament approaches, with representatives like Democrat Nellie Pou voicing their apprehensions. With the World Cup being a global event, the involvement of such an agency has raised the stakes for human rights concerns, painting a restrictive picture for both international visitors and immigrant communities in the U.S. as they anticipate the world's attention on this grand stage.