The USA’s controversial ICE agency will play a “key part” of the security operation in this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Todd Lyons, the acting head of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the confirmation while speaking to a US congressional committee.
He had been asked by New Jersey senator Nellie Pou, whose district the final-hosting MetLife Stadium is located in, if ICE would pause operations during the World Cup.
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He said ICE was “dedicated to securing that operation, and we are dedicated to the security of all of our participants as well as visitors”.
In response, Pou declared a fan group scared of being “wrongfully incarcerated, wrongfully pulled out” would “hurt the entire process”. Lyons shrugged it off.
Fans are outraged over revelations ICE will play a ‘key role’ in security at the FIFA World Cup. Getty/Nine
“Yes ma’am, and ICE is dedicated to ensuring that everyone that visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event,” he said.
ICE’s harsh enforcement tactics have been under the microscope for weeks following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good – both of whom were US citizens – during a crackdown in Minneapolis.
The deaths triggered protests in the city and widespread outrage across the US. Minneapolis will not host any World Cup matches.
Councillors in Vancouver have begun a campaign to have ICE agents banned from the city.
On social media, fans were quick to denounce the revelation, with several calling on others to boycott the tournament.
US President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA. Getty
“Worst ad for the US ever, never setting a foot in this country,” one fan said on Reddit.
“Do not go. Do not watch. Do not support fascism or a complicit FIFA,” said another. “There is so little most people can actually do but this is such a simple ask. Stop feeding the beast.”
US President Donald Trump issued a travel ban on 39 countries, barring them from entry to the United States. While a ‘major sporting event’ declaration means players from those countries will be exempt from that ban, fans, media and support staff will not.
Haiti is currently the only country on the list who has qualified for the World Cup. Although the US, Canada and Mexico will share hosting duties, the island nation will play all three of their group stage matches in the USA.
The World Cup begins on June 11.