U.S. Immigration Enforcement Threatens World Cup 2026 Media, Fans

The Committee to Protect Journalists warned that journalists covering the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States may face interrogations and hostility from immigration officials, noting that press credentials will not necessarily shield them at borders or in stadiums.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will operate throughout the tournament to combat counterfeit tickets, human trafficking, and other criminal activity. Critics say the visible presence of immigration agents and proposed visa vetting—including reviews of five years of social‑media history—could deter international supporters and raise civil‑liberties concerns.

Ticket resale prices have fallen and hotel bookings are below expectations in several host cities, adding pressure on attendance as the event approaches.