Father detained by ICE at FIFA event with his children, then deported
A father and asylum seeker was detained by ICE while attending a FIFA Club World Cup final with his children after police questioned him over a drone violation. He spent three months in detention before being deported.
Jun 25, 2026

A father and asylum seeker was detained by ICE at MetLife Stadium while attending a FIFA Club World Cup final with his children on July 13, 2025. Local police questioned him about flying a small drone in the parking lot—a civil violation typically resulting in a fine—and asked about his immigration status, leading to his transfer to ICE agents. He spent three months in immigration detention before his asylum claim was denied. He was subsequently deported to his country of origin, which he said he had fled in 2022 due to threats from armed groups. He has since warned immigrant World Cup fans about the risks of attending such events in the United States.
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- Minorities at World Cup fear ICE threat and how US immigration is enforced
- France 24
- Guardian TV
- US: ICE Arrest at FIFA Event Spotlights Dangers for World Cup
Human Rights Watch·Dec 3, 2025·archived copy
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