Border Patrol Presence at Club World Cup Raises Concerns Amid Protests

As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens with Inter Miami facing Al Ahly, the presence of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has drawn attention and sparked protests across several cities. According to AP, the agency insists its involvement is routine for major sporting events.

“CBP is committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the FIFA Club World Cup is safe for everyone involved, just as we do for other major sporting events, including the Super Bowl,” the agency stated. This followed the removal of a social media post that had announced their officers would be "suited and booted" for the tournament’s opening weekend.

The deployment comes amid heightened tensions surrounding President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, with ICE actions triggering demonstrations in multiple cities. While CBP maintains that its duties are limited to cargo inspection and emergency planning, critics warn of the increasing militarization of public spaces under the guise of security.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino downplayed the issue during a media event earlier this week, saying, “No, I have no concerns. The most important thing for us is the safety of all fans attending the matches. That’s our priority.”

The expanded Club World Cup will feature 32 teams from around the globe, playing in 11 host cities across the U.S. until July 13. But while football takes center stage, the broader political context is hard to ignore.