Díaz-Balart, Giménez, and Salazar Send Letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas Raising Concerns and Requesting a Plan of Action for the Upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Carlos Giménez (FL-28), and María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas requesting information on preparations underway at the DHS in advance of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which the United States is hosting in eleven different sites, including the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Read the complete letter hereor below.

"Dear Secretary Mayorkas,

As the House Committee on Appropriations is drafting bills to fund U.S. government agencies for fiscal year 2025, we are writing to request information on preparations underway at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in advance of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which the United States is hosting in eleven different sites, including the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

We are concerned that Congress has not been provided with the Administration's plan to protect Americans and visitors to the United States during the events of the World Cup. The President's fiscal year 2025 budget request did not include adequate funding to support increased security planning and other logistical support for the World Cup. Only a meager $16 million for Secret Service and $800 thousand for DHS's Intelligence and Analysis operations were requested to begin security preparations. These funding requests did not include plans, schedules or details on precisely how the requested funding will be spent.

Miami International Airport (MIA) authorities have informed us that they need additional personnel to respond to the security and logistic burdens that will result from the immense increase in international travelers through that airport. Travelers at MIA already face long delays during peak times, and without significant preparation in advance of the World Cup, the delays at MIA will be unmanageable.

For these reasons, we are requesting answers to the following questions, to ensure that DHS is prepared for the large influx of travelers to MIA and elsewhere in the United States, in advance of the World Cup:

• What is the plan to manage the flow of travelers, both for both domestic and international travel across the several U.S. cities that will be hosting matches?
• How much funding does DHS expect will be needed, across the Department, to implement this plan, and to address the national security, logistical, and law enforcement challenges posed by the 2026 World Cup?
• Is DHS preparing for the national security concerns posed by such large gatherings at this series of internationally significant events?
• How is DHS planning to prevent human trafficking and other organized criminal activity in the United States during, and in the proximity, of World Cup events?

DHS components such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Secret Service, Intelligence and Analysis and the Transportation and Security Administration, will need additional resources to ensure they are not overwhelmed by the influx of travelers in just two years. Accordingly, we respectfully request information on the plans underway to make certain that does not happen.

The World Cup will be a remarkable opportunity to showcase many beautiful cities in the United States. Most importantly, we must be prepared to ensure that the World Cup is safe and secure for Americans and our international visitors. Second to the paramount goal of ensuring safety, we hope that DHS will strive to execute a plan that is efficient, smooth, and reflects positively on the ability of our government to facilitate the security and travel necessary for such large gatherings in the United States.

Thank you for your attention to this matter of utmost importance.

Sincerely,"

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