In recent weeks, anticipation for the World Cup among immigrant communities in the United States has been overshadowed by the presence of federal agents at events. Although officials emphasize that these agents are there for security, many remain skeptical due to past immigration crackdowns.

No large-scale immigration enforcement is planned at World Cup venues, according to federal authorities. Markwayne Mullin, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, communicated during a TV interview that their purpose is not to detain large numbers of individuals.

However, fear persists following a year of proactive immigration measures under the Trump administration, impacting several of the 11 American host cities. Anxiety heightened with reports of increased inspections at U.S. points of entry. For instance, a Somali soccer referee recently encountered entry denial.

“Everyone’s angst and fear around the World Cup is valid,” stated Murad Awawdeh, who leads the New York Immigration Coalition. “These agencies cannot be trusted.”

In Los Angeles, a prominent host city, tensions were previously escalated when President Trump dispatched 5,000 troops amid immigration protests last year. The Los Angeles County Sheriff, Robert Luna, reached out to local homeland security officials regarding concerns of potential immigration raids during the World Cup.

He received assurance that such raids would not occur. “I have trust they’re giving me the appropriate information,” Sheriff Luna commented. “Because if that starts occurring, we’re going to have a whole new host of problems.”