World Cup Boat Party Canceled After DHS, Coast Guard Operation
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a Democrat, told Newsweek that the party "had to be abruptly canceled due to a joint operation with Homeland Security and the Coast Guard," adding that the incident was "deeply troubling" and something that "should not have happened."
A Coast Guard spokesperson told the Miami Herald that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent was part of the team that boarded the vessel, the Barefoot Princess, but said it was a routine inspection and "not a targeted immigration thing."
However, some attendees reported that crew members on the vessel had been asked for identification and proof of their immigration status.
Newsweek has contacted the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard and FIFA for comment via email.
Miami is among the 16 cities across the U.S, Canada and Mexico that will be hosting the soccer World Cup from June 11 to July 19 next year. Wednesday's incident adds to concerns about how safe fans will feel traveling to the city for the tournament amid President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Miami-Dade County is investing at least $40 million into the tournament, with leaders hopeful that a surge in tourism will justify the cost.
The party was hosted by Telemundo to celebrate the 2026 World Cup being a year away.
A spokesperson for Telemundo confirmed to Newsweek that it canceled its "One Year to Go" event after "delays caused by a routine Coast Guard inspection."
Levine Cava said she was not made aware of the operation beforehand, and that she was informed by organizers that the event was being canceled.
The incident was first reported on social media by Thomas Kennedy, of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. Kennedy told Newsweek that several attendees had told him that staff on the boat had been asked by agents to show identification and proof of their immigration status.
Lt. Nicolina Converso, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard's Seventh District, told the Herald that no action was taken from the inspection aside from citations for safety violations against the vessel.
Coast Guard spokesperson Chief Petty Officer Nicole Groll told the newspaper that it was standard procedure for the Coast Guard to run background checks on the crew operating a commercial vessel and ask for identification from all crew members. Asked if crew members were asked about their citizenship, Groll said she "can't say which words were said" but added that "this was not a targeted immigration thing."
Groll said the inspection "had nothing to do with the event that was happening onboard" and "everything to do with the operations and safety of the people onboard" and "to make sure the business that was this boat was operating legally and safely."
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement to Newsweek: "As our county marks one year out from the World Cup 2026 being hosted in Miami-Dade, events have been scheduled to commemorate this milestone including one hosted yesterday by Telemundo that I was invited to attend. Unfortunately, at a time our community should have been celebrating, the event had to be abruptly canceled due to a joint operation with Homeland Security and the Coast Guard. As a guest, I was not made aware of this operation beforehand; we were informed by event organizers that the event was being canceled."
Levine Cava added: "Miami-Dade is a globally recognized community that is proud to welcome visitors from around the world. This incident is deeply troubling as it can cause a chilling effect for visitors to continue feeling safe and welcomed in our community, particularly as we prepare for the World Cup next year—an event that is expected to have a historic impact on our local economy. We urge a thorough review by DHS and the Coast Guard of these protocols, as this should not have happened. Ensuring that all community members feel safe and included is crucial to maintaining our county's reputation as a welcoming destination for both residents and visitors."
A Telemundo spokesperson told Newsweek: "Due to delays caused by a routine Coast Guard inspection, Telemundo canceled its One Year To Go celebration event in Miami [on Wednesday]. We regret the inconvenience to our guests and appreciate their understanding. We look forward to continuing the road to the FIFA World Cup 26 and bringing this historic tournament to our viewers."
Levine Cava has called for the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast to conduct a "thorough review" of their protocols.
Miami will host seven World Cup matches next year, starting on June 15, 2026.
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