Tensions are rising in Miami ahead of this weekend’s Club World Cup kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium. Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will be stationed at the stadium to provide security for the event.
DHS confirmed that ICE and CBP agents will be on site “for security” at the start of the FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. ICE also reminded non-U.S. citizens to carry proof of legal status while attending the event.
---Advertisement---— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress) June 11, 2025
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the presence of federal agents, expressing no concerns. “No, I don’t have any concerns in that regard. We are always highly attentive to security matters. The safety of the fans attending the matches is our top priority,” Infantino stated.
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On Wednesday, a promotional event hosted by Telemundo took an unexpected turn when a boat carrying FIFA officials and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was stopped at sea by U.S. Coast Guard and CBP officers. According to the Miami New Times, the vessel was held for nearly an hour while officials checked the captain’s immigration documentation.
A boat transporting individuals to a Telemundo party celebrating one year out from the World Cup was boarded by the coast guard. They checked the immigration status of the staff on the boat. The mayor of Miami-Dade, FIFA officials, and Telemundo leadership were present.
— Thomas Kennedy (@tomaskenn) June 12, 2025
Sources, including local immigration advocate Thomas Kennedy, said journalists on board confirmed the immigration check, though a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson later insisted that the stop was not related to immigration enforcement.
In the aftermath of the incident, Telemundo decided to cancel the event entirely.
This is a statement from Telemundo regarding yesterday's Coast Guard inspection, which took place during the broadcaster's one year out 2026 World Cup celebration. https://t.co/JbOx6zoJyb pic.twitter.com/Lzp7g8ewPX
— Felipe Cárdenas (@FelipeCar) June 12, 2025
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