World Cup host cities alert Congress regarding security issues.
Local authorities from cities hosting the World Cup alerted Congress on Tuesday that security issues, coordination challenges, and insufficient federal funding pose significant risks with just over 100 days left until the tournament commences.
Testimonies from witnesses alongside members of the House Homeland Security Committee highlighted the pressing necessity to release FEMA funds designated for the security requirements of the host cities.
Officials provided evidence to the committee indicating that local agencies have not effectively coordinated with one another or the federal government while addressing intricate security arrangements concerning transportation, accommodations, fan activities, practice sites, and the stadiums themselves.
Concerns regarding drone threats, human trafficking, the involvement of ICE agents at matches, and recent cartel-related violence in Mexico contribute to the troubling scenario depicted by both the witnesses and committee members.
These concerns were voiced on the 11th day of a funding freeze from the Homeland Security Department following fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by ICE officers in Minneapolis. This department also manages the Federal Emergency Management Agency funds necessary for World Cup security.
The federal government had previously allocated $625 million for the 11 U.S. host cities “to enhance security and preparedness” and an additional $250 million “to bolster their capacity to detect, identify, track, or mitigate” drone threats, as stated on FEMA’s website. The inability of the government to release these funds significantly affects security planning.
The FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 11 in Mexico City, with Los Angeles hosting the first U.S. match on June 12 and New York and New Jersey staging the final on July 19. Recent drug cartel violence near Guadalajara has intensified worries regarding Mexico’s capability to secure its venues.
“I believe that if we had engaged in this discussion two years ago, we would be in a better position,” Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association, testified. “… However, as we near these games, we are far from the level of preparedness required.”
Events like the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will challenge homeland security more than it has been in decades, Sena noted, emphasizing that a lack of coordination among local agencies has exacerbated security concerns.
“For events of this magnitude, such an approach means serious risks may remain unaddressed,” Sena stated.
Ray Martinez, the chief operating officer for the Miami World Cup host committee, indicated that without the approximately $70 million in federal funds that Miami has requested, the end of March would signal a “drop dead date” for canceling plans due to insufficient security, starting with the Fan Fest concert events associated with the games.
“We are 107 days away from the tournament, but more critically, we are about 70 days from commencing the construction of the Fan Fest. Decisions must be made,” Martinez said. “…Without this funding, our planning and coordination could face catastrophic consequences.”
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida) mentioned that FEMA personnel responsible for processing grants are not operational during the partial shutdown and that the funding will not be available until the government reopens.
Republicans criticized their Democratic counterparts on the committee for not providing the necessary votes to release the funds.
Joseph Mabin, the deputy chief for Kansas City police, stated that the release of the funding is “critical” for his city to recruit additional personnel ahead of the World Cup, noting that his department lacks sufficient staff to address all security threats. Kansas City is set to host six matches and serve as a base camp for four teams.
According to Travis Nelson, deputy chief of staff and homeland security adviser to the Maryland governor, salaries for many involved in planning and coordination are also “contingent” on the frozen funds.
Nelson characterized this moment as “pivotal,” likening it to a Jenga game where one misstep “could lead to the entire structure collapsing.”
Recently, officials in Foxborough, Massachusetts, sought clarification regarding the source of approximately $8 million they claim is necessary to support public safety for this summer’s World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.
The White House World Cup Task Force, led by Andrew Giuliani, did not promptly respond to ESPN’s request for comment.
