WC Host Cities Alert…

Local officials from cities hosting the World Cup expressed serious concerns to Congress on Tuesday, warning that issues with security, coordination, and insufficient federal funding could lead to significant problems with just over 100 days until the event begins.

During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, witnesses highlighted the urgent need to release FEMA funding designated for security measures in the host cities.

Officials testified that local organizations have not effectively coordinated with one another or the federal government regarding crucial security logistics, which involve transportation, accommodations, fan events, practice locations, and the stadiums themselves.

Concerns are exacerbated by threats from drones, human trafficking, the presence of ICE agents at the matches, and recent cartel-related violence in Mexico, according to both witness statements and committee members.

These alarms were raised as funding from the Department of Homeland Security has been frozen for 11 days following incidents in which ICE officers fatally shot U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. The department oversees the disbursement of FEMA funds essential for World Cup security.

Previously, the federal government allocated $625 million to the 11 host cities in the U.S. to bolster security and preparedness, along with an additional $250 million to enhance capabilities against drone threats, as stated on FEMA’s website. Security arrangements have been hindered by the government’s delay in releasing these funds.

The FIFA World Cup is set to commence on June 11 in Mexico City, with the inaugural U.S. match taking place in Los Angeles on June 12, and the final scheduled for July 19 in New York and New Jersey. Meanwhile, escalating cartel violence near Guadalajara has raised alarms regarding Mexico’s ability to ensure safety at the venues.

“If we had had this discussion two years ago, we might be in a better situation,” stated Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association. “… As we near the games, we are not close to achieving the necessary capabilities.”

Events like the World Cup and the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will challenge homeland security like never before, Sena noted, adding that poor coordination among local agencies has compounded security challenges.

“For events of this magnitude, the current approach poses serious risks that may go unmanaged,” Sena remarked.

Ray Martinez, COO of the Miami World Cup host committee, warned that the lack of approximately $70 million in federal funding could lead to severe consequences for planning, as decisions need to be made imminently regarding projects such as the Fan Fest concert events associated with the tournament.

“We are 107 days from the tournament, but more critically, we are about 70 days from starting to build the Fan Fest. These decisions must be made,” Martinez emphasized. “If we do not receive this money, it could spell disaster for our planning and coordination efforts.”

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida) pointed out that FEMA staff responsible for processing grants are not currently working due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, stating that funding won’t be available until the government reopens.

Republicans on the committee criticized their Democratic counterparts for not facilitating the votes necessary to release the frozen funds.

Joseph Mabin, deputy chief of police for Kansas City, highlighted the importance of immediate funding for hiring more personnel in preparation for the World Cup, expressing concern that the local department lacks sufficient staff to address all security threats. Kansas City is expected to host six matches and serve as the base camp for four teams.

According to Travis Nelson, deputy chief of staff and homeland security adviser to the Maryland governor, many salaries associated with the planning and coordination depend on the unfreezing of these funds.

Nelson described this situation as “pivotal,” likening it to a Jenga game where one wrong move could cause everything to collapse.

Recently, officials in Foxborough, Massachusetts, requested clarification about approximately $8 million needed for public safety during this summer’s World Cup events at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots’ home ground.

The White House’s World Cup Task Force, led by Andrew Giuliani, has yet to respond to ESPN’s inquiry for comment.