As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Dallas faces pressure from Governor Abbott to change immigration policies, risking millions in funding.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Less than two months before the first matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North Texas, a high-stakes clash over immigration enforcement policies in Dallas is putting millions in funding tied to the global event on the line.
At the center of it is a warning from Greg Abbott to Mayor Eric Johnson. The Governor is calling on the city to change its policies, saying it limits police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
In a letter to Dallas, Abbott says the city could be in breach of its agreement with the state, jeopardizing roughly 432 million in public safety grants, along with more than $55 million allocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth region for World Cup security.
“I look at those issues as something between Dallas and the governor’s office,” Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said.
While Dallas faces mounting pressure, the host city of Arlington finds itself in the middle, preparing to host nine matches. Arlington will host more soccer matches for FIFA than any city in the country.
In a statement, the City of Dallas said it remains committed to complying with all applicable state and federal laws…while continuing to prioritize public safety and ensuring officers have the resources and support they need.
Despite the political tension, Arlington leaders say their focus remains on coordination and relationships across agencies.
“We treasure our relationships with the governor’s office, with Dallas, with all of the North Texas communities that are participating in FIFA,” Jim Ross said.
That approach has already been tested during one of the region’s largest events. More than 700,000 people flooded Arlington streets for the Texas Rangers’ 2023 World Series championship celebration, with fewer than 10 arrests reported.
“Out of the 700,000 people, we had fewer than 10 arrests. I think that speaks volumes for how well our public safety, our police, and everybody handled things,” Jim Ross said.
As Arlington Police prepares for an even bigger global stage, officials are expanding their public safety footprint, including a new police satellite office in the entertainment district to increase visibility during World Cup events.
In a statement, Arlington police said they continue to work with regional partners, FIFA, and other stakeholders to ensure a robust security plan is in place, adding they are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for fans.
“I’m very confident in our ability to keep our visitors, our residents, our community safe,” Ross said.
Regardless of the ongoing political debate, local leaders say security plans are already in motion, aimed at delivering one of the biggest sporting events in North Texas history safely.