Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), would not commit to pausing operations for the 2026 World Cup during a hearing on Tuesday, Feb 10.
Lyons was one of three senior immigration officials called to testify before the U.S. House Department of Homeland Security Committee.
It was the first hearing since federal law enforcement officers fatally shot two U.S. citizens last month in Minneapolis.
The incidents in Minneapolis occurred amid a widespread immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, which has impacted U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike.
With the U.S. set to serve as a co-host of the Men’s World Cup this summer, there have been concerns over how welcoming the country will be to visitors, as well as how it will treat some residents of the United States.
Even former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said last month that he believes fans should avoid traveling to the United States for the tournament.
One of the U.S. lawmakers who expressed concern during the hearing on Tuesday was Rep. Nellie Pou, a New Jersey Democrat whose district includes MetLife Stadium, which will host eight matches during the World Cup, including the final.
‘My district will host World Cup matches and hundreds of thousands of visitors will come,’ Pou said during the hearing. ‘Visitors’ confidence is plummeting and jeopardizing the World Cup.’
Pou asked if Lyons and ICE would commit to pausing operations at World Cup games and ‘other FIFA-sanctioned public events.’
‘ICE, specifically Homeland Security Investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup,’ Lyons responded. ‘We’re dedicated to securing that operation, and we’re dedicated to the security of all our participants as well as visitors.’
‘You realize that if they feel that they’re going to be wrongfully incarcerated or wrongfully pulled out, that’s going to hurt this entire process?’ Pou said. ‘I hope you realize that.’
Lyons replied, ‘Yes, ma’am, and ICE is dedicated to ensuring that everyone that visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event.’
Pou replied: ‘Without these assurances, our local communities and national reputations will indeed be (harmed).’
Lyons’ words echoed those of Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s 2026 World Cup task force.
In December, Giuliani was asked directly if the Trump administration would rule out conducting immigration raids at World Cup matches.
‘The president does not rule out anything that will help make American citizens safer,’ Giuliani replied.