ICE and Border Patrol will be at the Club World Cup in Miami. Is that normal?

Miami Herald

a day ago

A series of social media posts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection have spooked fans ahead of Inter Miami's match against Egypt's Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium as part of FIFA's Club World Cup this Saturday.
Since at least April, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been promoting its involvement in security measures for the tournament on social media and vowing to work with local, state, and federal partners to 'secure the games around the U.S.' One post read, 'Together, CBP Office of Field Operations, CBP Air and Marine Operations and U.S. Border Patrol have a strong presence so you can focus on the game.' Another—since deleted—claimed officers would be 'suited and booted, ready to provide security for the first round of games.'
Given the intensity of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants, 's participation has caused consternation and fear that the event could be unsafe for immigrants. NBC News also reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sent a statement saying it would also be part of the tournament's security team, and advised that 'all non-American citizens need to carry proof of their legal status.'
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz tried to quell fears, stating that her office would lead stadium security, emphasizing that immigration enforcement is not a priority during the event.
'We are in charge of security at the stadium for the Club World Cup,' Cordero-Stutz said to CBS. 'While we're working with our state and local partners, that is not our priority that day.'
A sheriff's office spokesperson said that they are working in collaboration with Hard Rock Stadium security. However, it is unclear in what capacity CBP and ICE are collaborating.
CBP at major events
The involvement of CBP in major sporting events is not uncommon. In February, they were touting their participation in security for this year's super bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chief in New Orleans. A press release said that 100 Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, Air and Marine Operations agents had been involved in security measures leading up to and during the big game. The scope of their work is described as patrolling the Mississippi River, X-ray examinations of food, drink and merchandise trucks that entered the venue area, air sorties as well as deploying several units to support local, state and federal law enforcement.
They have a similar press release about their participation in security for Super Bowl LIV in 2020, which took place at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Juan Perez, a former Miami-Dade police director, said concerts and games large enough to merit a special federal security designation — like a Super Bowl— will see federal law enforcement officers deployed around a stadium. 'It's not unusual for ICE to work major sporting events,' he said. 'It's not unusual to bring in agents to help.'
The Miami Herald requested clarification from both CBP and ICE regarding the scope of their involvement in the tournament. A CBP spokesperson suggested that public concerns stemmed from a 'misunderstanding,' but declined to elaborate. A formal statement, originally promised, has not yet been released.
When the Herald asked ICE to clarify what it meant by advising that 'all non-American citizens need to carry proof of their legal status' as part of security measures, an ICE spokesperson responded in a statement:
'As is customary for an event of this magnitude with national security implications, ICE will be working alongside our Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice partners to help ensure the safety and security of the event.'
Not another Copa
The Club World Cup is considered a dress rehearsal for Miami's participation in next year's FIFA World Cup and a chance to show that Miami has the security infrastructure to host a big event safely.
The chaotic scenes at last year's Copa América final at Hard Rock Stadium have only heightened concerns around security for the Club World Cup. During the July 2024 the tournament final's between Argentina and Colombia, thousands of fans overwhelmed stadium entry points—jumping over barricades, bypassing security checks, and clashing with police. The chaos endangered the safety of spectators, players, and referees, ultimately forcing officials to delay the game 80 minutes. According to reports at the time, 55 people were ejected from the venue and 27 were arrested.
Nearly 800 police officers were there, which is quadruple what they deploy for Dolphins games and close to Super Bowl numbers, reported the Miami Herald at the time.
However, Saturday's match may not draw the same crowds as last year's Copa América final. According to Sports Illustrated, FIFA was forced to slash ticket prices for the opening fixture of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to sluggish sales. After the tournament draw in December, the cheapest seats were priced at $349. That figure dropped to $230 the following month, then to around $110—and as of early June, tickets have fallen to as low as $55 for fans hoping to see Inter Miami face Egypt's Al-Ahly on Saturday, June 14.
Hostile environment
While the presence of federal agents at major sporting events like the Super Bowl is not unusual, the political climate has dramatically shifted. For many immigrant advocates, CBP's tone and visibility suggest something more than routine security measures.
Thomas Kennedy, an immigration advocate with the Florida Immigrant Coalition, said the rhetoric is troubling. Although checking legal status for every attendee would be logistically difficult, he said, the mere suggestion that non-citizens should carry proof of legal status could be enough to deter participation.
'Detentions have clearly increased, and there's such a hostile immigration enforcement environment right now,' Kennedy said. 'It's not just Miami—international fans with valid visas could feel intimidated. There are real financial and emotional consequences.'
He added: 'I'd be worried and disturbed if I were going to the games,' Kennedy said. 'If I didn't have status, I would probably stay away altogether.'
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who oversaw the 2022 tournament in Qatar, said they are prepared to create a safe environment at the matches. 'The most important thing for us is to guarantee security for fans who come to the games,' he said. 'Nobody should think they can come to a game and create problems. We want everyone to have a good time.'
At a press event Wednesday at the Pérez Art Museum, marking the one-year countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will include seven matches in Miami, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was asked whether fears of immigration enforcement might deter fans from attending.
'I'm not the sheriff, I'm not a police officer, and I'm focusing on how the games are going to continue for the protection of everyone,' she told the Herald. 'We want to focus on the well-being and safety of all participants. That's my priority.'
Miami Herald staff writer Vivienne Serret, Douglas Hanks, and Michelle Kaufman contributed to this story.