World Cup host cities warn Congress over security concerns

Local officials representing World Cup host cities warned Congress on Tuesday that security concerns, coordination problems and inadequate federal funding risk disaster with less than 100 days until the Games begin.

The witnesses, along with members of the House Homeland Security Committee, cited the urgent need to free up FEMA funds earmarked for the security needs of host cities.

Officials testified before the committee that local agencies have failed to adequately coordinate with each other and the federal government as they prepare complex security details at transportation, hotels, fan events and practice venues, as well as stadiums.

The threat of drones, human trafficking, the presence of ICE agents at the Games, and recent cartel violence in Mexico add to the disturbing picture provided not only by witnesses but by committee members themselves.

They registered their concerns on the 11th day of a freeze on Department of Homeland Security funding following the fatal shooting of American citizens by ICE officers in Minneapolis. The department also distributes Federal Emergency Management Agency funds needed for World Cup security.

FEMA said on its website that the federal government had previously earmarked $625 million for 11 U.S. host cities “to enhance security and preparedness” and $250 million “to strengthen their ability to detect, identify, track, or mitigate drone threats.” The security scheme has been hit hard due to the government’s inability to distribute funds.

The FIFA World Cup begins in Mexico City on June 11, with Los Angeles hosting the opening US games on June 12 and New York and New Jersey hosting the final on July 19. Recent drug cartel violence near the host city Guadalajara has raised concerns about Mexico’s ability to secure its venues.

Mike Cena, president of the National Fusion Center Association, testified, “I think if we had been having this conversation two years ago, we would have been in a better position.” “…But today, as we approach these Games, we are nowhere near the capacity we need.”

The Army said events like the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will test domestic security more than in decades. He said lack of coordination between local agencies has increased the security headache.

“For incidents of this scale, that approach means serious risks cannot be addressed,” the Army said.

Ray Martínez, chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee, said that without the nearly $70 million in federal funds for which Miami has applied, the end of March would be a “drop dead date” to begin canceling plans due to inadequate security, starting with the Fan Fest concert events during the games.

“We’re 107 days away from the tournament, but more importantly, we’re about 70 days away from starting the fan fest. These decisions have to be made,” Martínez said. “…Without receiving this funding, it could be devastating to our planning and coordination.”

Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida) said FEMA employees processing the grants are not working during the partial shutdown and the funding “is not coming until the government reopens.”

Republicans blasted their Democratic colleagues on the committee for blocking the votes needed to free up the funds.

Kansas City Police Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin said it was “critical” for his city to release funding to hire additional personnel ahead of the World Cup, and that his local department did not have enough staff to cover all security threats. Kansas City will host six games and serve as base camp for four teams.

The salaries of many people working on planning and coordination are also “dependent” on the frozen funds, said Travis Nelson, deputy chief of staff and homeland security adviser to the Maryland governor.

Nelson described the moment as “pivotal” and compared it to a game of Jenga where one wrong move would “ruin the whole thing.”

Recently, city officials in Foxborough, Massachusetts sought clarity on the source of approximately $8 million to fund public safety for this summer’s World Cup games at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.

The White House World Cup Task Force, chaired by Andrew Giuliani, did not immediately respond to ESPN’s request for comment.