ICE Arrest FIFA Event Reveals Risks Ahead of World Cup

With preparations underway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across multiple U.S. cities, concerns are mounting over immigration enforcement at major sporting events. These fears intensified following an incident tied to the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey in mid-2025, which Human Rights Watch says exposes serious risks for noncitizens attending international matches.

What triggered the concern

On July 13, 2025, an asylum seeker attending the Club World Cup final with his children was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a law enforcement encounter near MetLife Stadium.

The individual was initially told he would receive a citation related to a drone violation near the stadium, where such activity is restricted under U.S. aviation safety rules. Instead, ICE was contacted , and he was taken into immigration custody.

Detention and asylum background

Human Rights Watch reported that the man and his family fled their home country in 2022 due to threats from armed gangs and were seeking asylum in the United States. He remained in detention for nearly three months before being deported after his asylum claim was denied.

The organization noted that immigration detention policies in place since January 2025 have made it increasingly difficult for asylum seekers to be released, even when bond options are available.

FIFA response and human rights concerns

In May 2025, Human Rights Watch formally urged FIFA to intervene and address the risks posed by immigration enforcement at tournament venues. FIFA responded on June 3, stating that host countries must ensure eligible individuals can safely attend matches and affirmed its human rights responsibilities.

Image showing a man been arrested

Despite this, Human Rights Watch argues that the July detention shows ongoing gaps between FIFA’s commitments and actual protections for noncitizens at events.

ICE arrest data in host cities

According to ICE statistics cited by Human Rights Watch, between January 20 and October 15, there were 92,392 ICE arrests in U.S. cities scheduled to host World Cup matches. About 65.1 percent of those arrested reportedly had no criminal record.

In New Jersey alone, 73.8 percent of 5,331 arrests involved noncitizens without criminal convictions.

Civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, say these patterns are contributing to fear and reduced public participation in major events.

Why this matters for 2026

The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans to U.S. cities such as New York , Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Human Rights Watch warns that continued immigration enforcement at or around stadiums could deter attendance, undermine community trust, and conflict with the tournament’s stated values of inclusion.

The organization is calling on FIFA to formally request that U.S. authorities refrain from immigration enforcement at World Cup events to prevent family separations and ensure safe access for all spectators.