Todd Lyons, acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), confirmed the agency's significant role in security for the upcoming World Cup in the United States. He testified before a House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Mr Lyons stated that ICE, specifically its Homeland Security Investigations unit, forms "a key part of the overall security apparatus" for the tournament. He declined to commit to pausing operations near match venues or FIFA-sanctioned events.
Representative Nellie Pou questioned Mr Lyons, citing concerns over fan confidence and potential wrongful incarceration, particularly following recent incidents involving ICE agents. Mr Lyons responded that ICE is "dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event." The US will host 78 of the 104 matches across eleven cities.
