FSE alarmed over ICE raids before World Cup

• Football Supporters Europe says it is “extremely concerned by the ongoing militarisation of police forces in the US” ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America. 
• US authorities have not ruled out Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting undocumented immigrants at World Cup venues, and FSE says fans still lack clear information on policing and stadium rules. 
• Fifa insists fan safety is its “top priority” and says the US will invite international law enforcement representatives to a coordination centre near Washington DC, with some host cities potentially using police “spotters”. 

Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has raised fresh concerns about security and policing in the United States ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America, saying it is “extremely concerned by the ongoing militarisation of police forces in the US”. 

The fan group’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of US enforcement tactics under President Donald Trump, including an immigration crackdown and the possibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity connected to major events. 

Ronan Evain, executive director of FSE, said: “At this stage, travelling fans are left with little to no information as to what will be allowed or not at Fifa venues, or what to expect from the police elsewhere in the country.” 

Evain said his organisation was also worried by “the complete absence of security doctrine from FIFA for the upcoming World Cup.

“There is no clarity as to what will be allowed in the stadiums, who will be deployed inside, which police forces will be working where.”

Evain added, “reports that the US has not yet invited visiting police delegations, or so-called spotters, which is unprecedented in the modern history of the tournament, only reinforce these concerns”. 

FIFA’s response was to lean hard into reassurance. It told BBC Sport the safety and security of fans and participants was its “top priority”, adding it works closely with local authorities “to plan, co-ordinate and deliver comprehensive security measures for the tournament”. 

Fifa said: “The US government will invite participating nations, host cities and host countries to deploy law enforcement representatives to the International Police Cooperation Center near Washington DC, ensuring close international co-ordination on safety and security matters,

“In addition, some host cities may invite international police spotters to integrate locally.

“Regarding what is permitted or not permitted inside stadiums, a Code of Conduct is made available online in line with previous FIFA events. FIFA values ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, including supporter organisations, and has presented its Safety and Security Concept on several occasions.

“FIFA is confident that these collective efforts will ensure a safe, secure and welcoming environment for everyone involved.” 

FIFA also pointed to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US as evidence of the measures it says it can put in place. 

A special task force overseeing preparations for the World Cup said in a statement: “The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest, safest, and most welcoming sporting event in history.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, our team is working closely with FIFA, our international partners, US federal agencies, state governments, and host cities to deliver an event that highlights America’s hospitality, commitment to security, and spirit of excellence. Fans from around the globe can look forward to a smooth, secure, and truly unforgettable tournament.” 

Beyond FIFA and FSE’s back and forth, the wider political temperature keeps rising. Amnesty Canada and the Sport and Rights Alliance have separately warned that US immigration policies and enforcement approaches could create serious risks for fans, workers, journalists, and visiting participants, particularly if travel bans, visa restrictions, detention risk, or protest crackdowns escalate during the tournament period. 

The report also notes that Evain has previously warned: “Fans travel to the World Cup to celebrate and express their passion, and any attempt to curtail our fundamental rights, including the right to free speech, is a betrayal of the spirit of football,” while calling on Fifa to secure guarantees that fans can “safely travel and attend the games.” 

There are also growing political calls for tougher action if guarantees are not provided. The European Democratic Party (EDP) has warned of “growing concerns over legal and administrative uncertainty, including the risk of non-transparent or discretionary visa decisions and border controls, as well as potentially invasive practices involving personal data and online activity”, which it claims “may translate into concrete risks for European citizens”. 

Meanwhile, security coordination questions have been sharpened by related international developments. Reporting this week noted ICE’s involvement in sending agents to support security operations for the Winter Olympics in Italy, with the US Department of Homeland Security stressing “all security operations at the Olympics are directed and managed exclusively by Italian authorities” and that the agents would have an “advisory” role.