The Trump administration is not planning to launch special ICE operations during the upcoming World Cup.
That is according to the head of the New York New Jersey host committee, who said he has been ‘assured’ that the tournament will not be disrupted by immigration crackdowns.
The threat of ICE raids overshadowed the build-up to last month’s Super Bowl after secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem vowed ICE would be ‘all over’ the end-of-season finale.
In the end, ICE did not continue its crackdown in the Bay Area and now Alex Lasry has suggested immigration agents will stay away from the World Cup, too.
Eleven different host cities will host 78 games across America this summer, with Canada and Mexico co-hosting the tournament.
MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and Giants, will host eight matches this summer – including the final on July 19.
‘We have been assured from the White House task force on down that DHS’ presence will be no different than they’ve had for the last 30 years at any sporting event,’ he told Front Office Sports.
‘At the end of the day, for any of these events, you need strong partnership between state, local and federal [forces].
‘You can’t put on one of these events without all of those coming together and what we’ve seen so far is incredible coordination between NYPD, New Jersey State police, Secret Service and federal government in ensuring that this is going to be a place that everyone feels good.
‘A place where we can welcome the entire world and they’re going to have an experience they won’t ever forget.’
Protests against Trump’s immigration policies erupted earlier this year, following the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. That came two weeks after 37-year-old Renee Good was fatally shot in her car by an ICE officer.
The World Cup is less than 100 days away and the tournament has been plagued by controversy surrounding ticket prices, visa concerns and the relationship between Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Trump was handed a FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw but the president insists he ‘does not care’ whether Iran boycotts the tournament amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Israeli and American strikes have targeted Iran over the last five days, with retaliatory attacks fired back at US-allied states in the Gulf.
Iran has qualified for its fourth successive World Cup but could now stay away. When asked for his thoughts on the matter, Trump told Politico: ‘I really don’t care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.’
