While the Argentine national team plays for a spot in the round of 16 against Cape Verde at Miami Stadium, a shadow looms nearby: ICE. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed its presence in the security operation for the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match, which kicks off at 6 p.m. Eastern. But beware, it’s not all about soccer: federal agents have orders to detain undocumented immigrants if they are involved in serious trouble.
Border czar Tom Homan, appointed by Donald Trump, tried to calm the waters in an interview with CBS News: «We are not going to conduct immigration checks,» he said. But then he dropped the bombshell: «If we find a problem involving an illegal immigrant, we will take action.» Translation: those with proper papers can breathe easy, but those without should avoid crossing the law.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin compared the operation to that of the Super Bowl: maximum security, but no mass raids. The tournament was classified as Special Event Assessment Rating level 1, the highest category for mass events. That implies an interagency deployment that includes ICE and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division.
In what cases can undocumented individuals be caught? According to protocol, agents can intervene if someone appears on terrorism watch lists, is wanted for serious crimes, or is linked to drug trafficking. Additionally, there will be operations against illegal ticket sales and counterfeit products. In other words, anyone selling a fake jersey could end up handcuffed.
Meanwhile, on the field, Argentina arrives as Group J leader with a perfect score, after beating Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Cape Verde, the group’s surprise, qualified second with draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. The winner will play on Tuesday, July 7, at Atlanta Stadium.
Tension is served: on one hand, the passion of soccer; on the other, the fear that a routine check could end in a cell. Argentine fans living in Florida without papers watch the uniformed officers out of the corner of their eyes. Will there be arrests? Homan made it clear: «If we find a problem, we act.»
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para mi ya era hora q el ICE se ponga las pilas en miami los ilegales q vienen a joder q se vayan a su pais si son delincuentes q los metan presos y los deporten de una vez argentina primero pero la ley ante todo viva la patria y a llorar a la iglesia
Para mí el ICE es la Gestapo yanki, vienen a perseguir laburantes que solo quieren ver un partido. Mientras los empresarios se llenan de guita, a los pibes los quieren deportar. Esto huele a persecución política, no nos callan más carajo. Vamos Argentina con los pibes del barrio.