The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held in the United States, and millions of families — including many immigrant families — plan to attend. However, given reports about the possible presence of ICE agents in and around the stadiums, it is natural to have questions about how safe it is to attend for those with a pending immigration case or no legal status.
What do we know about ICE presence at the stadiums?
Authorities have indicated that the main role of agents deployed during the World Cup would be event security, not questioning attendees about their immigration status. Even so, people with no legal status, those with final orders of deportation, and those with criminal records should be especially cautious, since these are the profiles that have historically been priorities in enforcement operations.
Rights everyone has, regardless of status
In the United States, every person has basic constitutional rights regardless of immigration status: the right to remain silent, the right not to sign documents without understanding them and without legal advice, and the right to speak with an attorney. If an agent stops you, you may ask whether you are free to leave. You are not required to answer questions about your place of birth or how you entered the country.
Practical precautions before attending a game
Before attending, it is advisable to carry copies of any valid immigration documents showing a pending process, memorize the phone number of a family member and an immigration attorney, avoid conflicts or situations that could involve the police, and never carry false documents. Mixed-status families can prepare a family emergency plan in advance.
Every immigration case is different. If you have questions about your specific situation, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our office to receive personalized legal guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Authorities have indicated that agents' main role is event security, not checking immigration status. However, people with final deportation orders or criminal records should take extra precautions.
There is no absolute guarantee. Know your rights, carry copies of documents showing a pending immigration process, and have a family emergency plan before attending.
Everyone in the U.S. has the right to remain silent, to refuse to sign documents without legal advice, and to speak with an attorney, regardless of immigration status.
