Immigration officers in the US focus on amateur football matches – since the country is organizing the FIFA's Club World Cup.
Mail Sport understands that a series of raids has taken place at games, with ICE (immigration and customs enforcement) officials who dive into parks and football fields.
Those with knowledge of the situation believe that the sport is the target thanks to the large number of people from immigrant communities playing.
It comes as part of a controversial performance, after President Donald Trump returned to the office, which caused protests throughout the country that in some cases have become violent.
The optics, at a time when clubs from all over the world participate in the extensive tournament of FIFA, are at its best doubtful. The Swoops also arrive a year before the US organizes the World Cup, together with Canada and Mexico.
Both American customs and border protection and FIFA refused to comment, despite a number of requests. However, one witness described the situation in recent weeks during a competition in Orlando.
“We played in a Sunday League match,” they explained. “The field was in a cage with one door. During the game a van came and blocked the entrance and many officers jumped out and came up the field.
'The game was stopped for about an hour while they checked everyone's papers.
“They were clearly looking for people who didn't have the right documentation. In my opinion they focus on football, which is not a great look if you are the intention to open your doors for football fans from all over the world. '
As previously reported, worries were made that those who are on their way to clubworld cup competitions would be directed by ICE officials after both they and BP officers had confirmed that they would be present at Games.
A poorly advised post on X, which was later removed, stated that the CBP would be 'suitable and started' at locations in the US.
Civil servants later stated that the presence of CBP and ICE officers was part of the standard security protocol. However, they did not answer the direct question whether they would check the documentation of those present.
On June 11, Coast Guard and CBP agents fell a catamaran off the coast of Miami, asking those on board to give identification that prove their legal status.
The boat was part of a year-to-go-go to the World Cup event, performed by broadcast Giants Telemundo. Among the guests were the mayor of Miami and a group of FIFA VIPs.