Will ICE agents be at Miami's FIFA Club World Cup games? Sheriff Cordero-Stutz responds after deleted CBP post
As protests over immigration enforcement raids intensify nationwide and demonstrations are planned in South Florida this weekend, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said she's working to reassure the public about safety and local law enforcement priorities ahead of Saturday's inaugural FIFA Club World Cup match at Hard Rock Stadium.
On June 14, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami is set to debut in the international soccer tournament against Al Ahly of Egypt.
Deleted CBP post fuels fear in South Florida immigrant communities
Concerns spiked after a now-deleted social media post by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) suggested that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be present at the stadium.
The post caused alarm among immigrant advocates, who fear attendees could face immigration checks.
CBS News Miami has reached out to CBP for clarification. So far, the presence of federal immigration agents at the event has not been confirmed.
"We are in charge of security at the stadium for Club World Cup," Sheriff Cordero-Stutz said. "While we're working with our state and local partners, that is not our priority that day."
Despite the sheriff's assurances, advocates said fears in the community are real.
"It's disturbing that Border Patrol not only announced their presence at the game but also sort of implied that people should have their immigration paperwork in order to attend," said Thomas Kennedy of the . "It's good that the sheriff is trying to calm those fears, but they're still operating under a 287(g) agreement."
That federal agreement permits local law enforcement to collaborate with immigration authorities.
Security tightens ahead of large weekend crowds in South Florida
Cordero-Stutz emphasized her department's primary focus remains on public safety, especially given prior security breaches at major events.
"We recently had legislation passed that says at an event with over 5,000 attendees, you'll be charged with a felony if you're disruptive or cause damage," she said. "That's a tool we didn't have last year."
Saturday's match also coincides with anti-Trump demonstrations organized in response to a military parade planned in Washington, D.C.
"Should things get out of hand, and our partners ask for assistance, we're there to provide the support needed to ensure the safety of the community," Sheriff Cordero-Stutz said.
