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Father detained by ICE at FIFA event, deported after asylum claim denied

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.

Timeline

Jun 25, 2026Father speaks publicly about detention and warns immigrant fans about risks of attending World Cup events in the United States
Oct 13, 2025After approximately three months in immigration detention, asylum claim denied
Oct 2025Father deported to country of origin
Jul 13, 2025Father detained by ICE at MetLife Stadium during FIFA Club World Cup final after local police questioned him about drone in parking lot and transferred him to immigration agents

Sources

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