Department of Homeland Security closure threatens security and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

However, President Donald TrumpThe White House 2026 FIFA World Cup Task Force is stifled in ensuring the safety and security of the event as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown limits DHS’s ability to prepare for this unprecedented global tournament.

When Congress failed to fund the Department of Homeland Security more than a month ago, important agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. coastguard The US Coast Guard has been forced to operate with limited resources, unpaid personnel, and suspend some operations.

Each of these agencies, as well as all 23 components within the Department of Homeland Security, is vital to the whole-of-government approach of the White House FIFA Task Force to protect American citizens and international visitors alike.

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Weston McKennie of the United States plays the ball during the FIFA World Cup match against England at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022, in Al Khor, Qatar. (Brad Smith/ISI Images/Getty Images)

Currently, the DHS shutdown is hampering the department’s ability to prepare for the largest influx of visitors in American history. This closure is not just a matter of bureaucratic inconvenience; It is a direct threat to our national security.

The first match kicks off in less than 80 days. The longer this closure continues, the greater the gaps in security and operational planning, preparedness and coordination. Our ability to deliver a safe World Cup is affected every day that Congress refuses to fund us.

With millions of visitors arriving to attend the World Cup finals in America Airports, cities and ports Need to be ready. Lockdown makes this almost impossible.

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TSA will play a critical role in making sure soccer fans around the world can move around the country without harm. As of today, nearly 95% of TSA employees are working without pay, and financial pressures are causing recall rates across the country to double, with more than 450 officers resigned Since the start of the lockdown.

With fewer officers, the TSA has been forced to consolidate or reduce the number of checkpoints at some airports, creating Significantly longer lines For all passengers. Each officer must screen more travelers, which increases the risk of missed threats. At John F. Kennedy International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, callout rates reached 40%. The situation is even worse at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston (55%).

Now imagine that scenario occurring during the busiest travel season in American history, when every one of those metropolitan areas will host World Cup matches this summer.

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In addition, plans for new checkpoint screening technology will be updated in World Cup Gateway Airports Risk of delay or cancellation with prolonged shutdown. World Cup staffing, dog deployment and coordination with airports and law enforcement partners are all falling victim to travel restrictions, approval delays, and training session cancellations.

Efforts by the TSA’s Federal Air Marshal Service to assess vulnerabilities and deploy counter-drone (UAS) capabilities at transportation venues are also at risk. A prolonged shutdown delays or cancels planned security assessments, counter-drone system procurement and training on new equipment, directly impacting our ability to detect and mitigate drone threats around major transportation hubs.

If Congress does not act, we risk losing threats at our busiest airports, just as fans arrive from every corner of the world.

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Most DHS first responder and cybersecurity training and exercises have been suspended, limiting our ability to prepare for physical and cyber threats during the World Cup. Furloughs and staff reductions impact DHS’s ability to conduct security assessments, jeopardize our intelligence posture and impede collaboration with our partners during this critical planning phase.

The Coast Guard is scheduled to protect American ports and waterways during the World Cup. With nearly 75% of the dedicated civilian workforce furloughed and no money for contracts or training, the Coast Guard faces skills gaps and the risk of mission failure. The Coast Guard must mobilize about 1,000 security forces and support personnel for World Cup events, but without funding, they cannot pay for equipment or conduct advanced training.

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TSA will play a critical role in making sure soccer fans around the world can move around the country without harm.

The longer the Department of Homeland Security is forced to operate without funding, the more likely America’s security and tournament success will be at risk. Party politics They are putting the safety of our communities and the success of this historic event at risk.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The bottom line is that Congress must act now. End the shutdown. Restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Give DHS the resources needed to deliver a safe, secure, and memorable World Cup. The clock is ticking. The world will be watching. Congress owes it to the American people to ensure that the World Cup ushers in America’s golden age in a spectacular and safe way.