Border Patrol will be at the Club World Cup, says it’s routine to provide security for such events

By Canadian Press on June 12, 2025.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it regularly provides security at big sporting events in response to questions about the agency’s presence at the FIFA Club World Cup amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the FIFA Club World Cup 26 is safe for everyone involved, as we do with every major sporting event, including the Super Bowl. Our mission remains unchanged,” the agency said Thursday in response to an inquiry by The Associated Press.

The agency had previously deleted a social media post that said its officers would be “suited and booted” for the opening round this weekend of Club World Cup games.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed questions about CBP involvement during an event earlier this week promoting Saturday’s opener between Inter Miami and Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

“No, I don’t have any concerns about anything in the sense that we are already attentive on any security question,” Infantino said. “Of course, the most important for us is to guarantee security for all fans who come to the games. And this is our priority.”

Border Patrol agents have routinely been called in to help with security for large events, including the Super Bowl. They handle things like screening cargo shipments into stadiums for hazardous materials and contribute to emergency planning.

At last year’s Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium, throngs of fans breached security gates and forced the game to be delayed.

The Club World Cup opener Saturday comes amid protests in several cities over actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

The Club World Cup features 32 teams from across the globe playing in 11 cities nationwide through July 13.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press

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