King County Executive takes action to limit ICE operations at World Cup
King County executive moves to limit ICE activity ahead of World Cup
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced new measures aimed at limiting federal immigration enforcement activity in county-owned spaces as Seattle prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, prompting response from federal officials and local law enforcement leaders.
SEATTLE - Will ICE be on the ground in Seattle during the World Cup and its events? It appears so.
What they're saying:
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said local action is needed to protect people from federal immigrant enforcement operations. This comes as remarks on Capitol Hill in D.C. this week sparked immediate interest.
"We've all seen the terror that communities are experiencing at the hands of ICE," Zahilay said.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay discusses ICE enforcement operations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Zahilay said his office is taking immediate action to protect immigrants and refugees from federal immigration enforcement operations.
One of the most notable: prohibiting ICE from staging or conducting civil immigration enforcement in non-public areas of county-owned buildings, garages, or lots. That does not include public rights-of-way.
In addition, he wants to add $2 million dollars of funding to help immigrants and refugees with rental, food and legal aid assistance immediately.
He's also directing the King County Sheriff's Office to develop guidance about how it will respond to reports of unlawful actions by federal agents with a deadline of March 16 for specifics.
Zahilay also wants the King County Sheriff's Office to produce publicly available materials that outline the roles and responsibilities of the agency as well as resources to help the public identify and differentiate sheriff's deputies from federal immigration officers.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 15: General view inside the stadium prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group B match between Botafogo FR and Seattle Sounders FC at Lumen Field on June 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
He also said he is directing the King County International Airport to upgrade security cameras and improve observation areas to maintain public access and increased transparency around chartered deportation flights.
This comes as the World Cup is about to put Seattle on the world stage.
Testimony from Todd Lyons, the Acting Director of ICE, on Capitol Hill this week, sparked new concerns.
"ICE, specifically, Homeland Security Investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup. We're dedicated to securing that operation and we're dedicated to the security of all our participants as well as visitors," Lyons said during a U.S. House Homeland Security Committee hearing.
ICE says it will play a 'key part' in security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US: Report
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will play a role in security planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which features matches in New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia, according to reports.
DHS confirmed agents conducted enforcement operations during Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
Local perspective:
With the World Cup a matter of months away, Seattle will be front and center again.
Mayor Katie Wilson recently signed an executive order barring ICE from using city-owned properties for civil enforcement operations.
She also directed Seattle police officers to "investigate, verify, and document" ICE activity.
That sparked backlash from the Seattle Police Officers Guild.
Its president said the concept pits two armed law enforcement agencies against each other. He said he won't allow members to be used as political pawns.
Seattle Mayor, police guild spar over ICE protection directives
The Seattle Police Officers Guild is refusing to cooperate with a recent directive from Mayor Katie Wilson ordering officers to investigate and document ICE activity in the city.
In recent months, SPD's police chief said the department abides by state laws and regulations stopping the department from participating in immigration enforcement.
Dig deeper:
As for the World Cup: Seattle is expecting 750,000 people from around the globe. But will they still come?
A World Cup spokesperson pointed us to federal officials.
The Department of Homeland Security sent FOX 13 News a statement from the Public Affairs Assistant Secretary, Tricia McLaughlin:
"DHS will work with our local and federal partners to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup — in line with federal law the U.S. Constitution — as we do with every major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the entire world. Our mission is simple: ensure every fan – Americans and visitors alike – has a safe and unforgettable experience.
International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the U.S.— full stop. Speculation to the contrary is ill-informed. At the same time, foreign visitors MUST be proactive and should start working on their travel plans and documents well ahead of time to ensure a smooth travel experience."
Zahilay described the need to take action now as local parents, children, and families live in fear.
"It's not far away. This is as hyper-local as it gets and there is a lot that local governments can and must do to address this very urgent problem," he said.
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The Source: Information in this story came from the Office of King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, the Department of Homeland Security, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.