Fan group ‘concerned’ by ICE raids before Football World Cup

Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) says it is “extremely concerned by the ongoing militarisation of police forces in the US” before this summer’s World Cup in North America.

It comes after two US citizens were shot dead by federal agents carrying out US President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis over the past month.

US authorities have not ruled out Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants at World Cup venues.

Ronan Evain, executive director of FSE, said: “At this stage, travelling fans are left with little to no information as to what will be allowed or not at Fifa venues, or what to expect from the police elsewhere in the country.”

He said his organisation was also worried by “the complete absence of security doctrine from Fifa for the upcoming World Cup.

“There is no clarity as to what will be allowed in the stadiums, who will be deployed inside, which police forces will be working where.”

Evain added “reports that the US has not yet invited visiting police delegations, or so-called spotters, which is unprecedented in the modern history of the tournament, only reinforce these concerns”.

In response, Fifa told BBC Sport the safety and security of fans and participants was its “top priority”, adding it works closely with local authorities “to plan, co-ordinate and deliver comprehensive security measures for the tournament”.

“The US government will invite participating nations, host cities and host countries to deploy law enforcement representatives to the International Police Cooperation Center near Washington DC, ensuring close international co-ordination on safety and security matters,” said Fifa.

“In addition, some host cities may invite international police spotters to integrate locally.

“Regarding what is permitted or not permitted inside stadiums, a Code of Conduct is made available online in line with previous Fifa events. Fifa values ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, including supporter organisations, and has presented its Safety and Security Concept on several occasions.

“Fifa is confident that these collective efforts will ensure a safe, secure and welcoming environment for everyone involved.”

It added the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup in the US “provided a strong example of the safety and security measures in place”.

The Trump administration has suggested it is planning to “draw down” federal forces in Minnesota if there is co-operation from officials after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti ignited local protests and public outcry across the country.

Trump has sent federal agents, as well as the National Guard, to major US cities over the past year to make good on his campaign promise to crack down on illegal immigration. They have been met with protests and legal challenges in Democrat-led cities like Portland, Los Angeles and Chicago. (BBC)