A now-deleted social media post from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announcing their security presence at the FIFA Club World Cup has raised questions and concerns ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on June 14 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
“Let the games begin! The first FIFA Club World Cup games start on June 14th in Miami… CBP will be suited and booted and ready to provide security for the first round of games,” the CBP post read.
Following the post, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to NBC6 that their agents would be present at the games as part of the overall security team. ICE reminded attendees who are not U.S. citizens to carry valid proof of legal status.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz moved quickly to reassure the public that local law enforcement’s focus remains on public safety, not immigration enforcement, during the event.
“We are responsible for security at the stadium for the Club World Cup,” Sheriff Cordero-Stutz said. “While we’re working alongside state and local partners, immigration enforcement is not our priority that day.”
The sheriff highlighted recent legislation aimed at maintaining order at large events. “Now, anyone who is disruptive or causes damage at an event with more than 5,000 attendees can be charged with a felony,” she explained. “That’s a new tool we didn’t have last year.”
She added, “If situations escalate and our partners request help, we’ll provide the necessary support to keep the community safe.”
The tournament’s opening match will feature Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami against Egypt’s Al Ahly.
At a pre-tournament media event on June 10, FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed concerns about the security presence.
“No, I don’t have any concerns about anything in the sense that we are very attentive on any security question, of course, the most important for us is to guarantee security for all the fans who come to the games, this is our priority,” Infantino said.
He encouraged fans to embrace the historic moment. “Football connects billions worldwide, and many would love to be here to witness this event live.”
For more information on the events, visit this website.
