The House Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing this week to review the preparedness of state and local governments, private sector partners, and federal agencies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations. The focus was on how information is collected, analyzed, and shared to address evolving security threats before and after these major events.
Witnesses included Mike Sena, President of the National Fusion Center Association; Ray Martinez, Chief Operating Officer of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee; Joseph Mabin, Deputy Chief of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department; and Travis Nelson, Deputy Chief of Staff and Homeland Security Advisor in Maryland’s Governor’s Office.
As preparations for these events continue, both committee members and witnesses pointed out the importance of timely federal resources and authorities. Concerns were raised about ongoing shutdowns at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and delays in federal funding. Witnesses warned that such disruptions could create vulnerabilities in national security efforts related to both the World Cup and America 250 celebrations.
House Committee Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) highlighted Congress’ role in event security:
“I was proud to work with the Trump administration and lead efforts to pass vital counter-UAS authorities for state and local law enforcement in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will help support real-time mitigation efforts and counter the adversarial use of this technology. Republicans in Congress also provided historic security investments through the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last summer, which included $625 million for 2026 FIFA World Cup security and $500 million for state and local investments in counter-UAS capabilities.”
“Twenty-five years later, the threat landscape has not diminished — it has intensified, diversified, and evolved in ways that demand constant vigilance and decisive action. But DHS and the federal government cannot achieve this mission alone. Close collaboration, communication, and information sharing between federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, along with industry stakeholders and private sector partners, is essential.”
Chairman Garbarino asked about possible impacts if Miami continues to face delays receiving federal resources for World Cup security. Mr. Martinez responded:
“We’re 107 days out from the tournament, but more importantly, we’re about 70-something days out from starting to build the Fan Fest… I say within the next 30 days is the drop-dead date. I know that the local agencies are very anxious, but without receiving this money it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination.”
Mike Sena called for continued support for key grant programs like SHSGP (State Homeland Security Grant Program) and UASI (Urban Area Security Initiative), as well as reforms at DHS’s Office of Intelligence & Analysis:
“There are multiple systems which are not fully integrated with state and local platforms creating delays—and more importantly—operational risk. We also must strengthen the field presence of DHS’s Office of Intelligence & Analysis. I&A is the only element in intelligence community required by law to share intelligence with state & local partners… Any reform must strengthen I&A’s presence at all AD fusion centers while keeping a strong core component at headquarters.”
“Congress should also provide dedicated resources for first responders to integrate drones for our daily operations. Congress should continue to provide robust support for State Homeland Security Grant Program SHSGP & Urban Area Security Initiative UASI… Without those two grants fusion centers cannot fully contribute to security of major events or overall homeland security mission.”
Subcommittee Chairman Dale Strong (R-AL) discussed expanding authority over unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) so law enforcement can better disrupt potential drone threats at large gatherings like fan festivals outside stadiums:
“We will get federal support counter-UAS support but it’s limited,” said Mr. Mabin. “And by expanding these authorities to local police departments we’re able to cover down on other areas… once we get training & procure resources then we’ll be better positioned to counter any kind UAS threats.”
Questions were also raised about criminal networks operating during special events under current border policies:
“Transnational organized crime groups out there are a tremendous threat to our country… Our country is a location where they raise funds & we are source their income,” said Mr. Sena when asked by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX). “When we talk about special events those folks are there sell fentanyl dangerous drugs sell human beings no reason they can’t turn violence while they’re there depending what geopolitical environment time.”
Funding uncertainty was another point made by witnesses:
“On a daily basis we work with partners from all DHS components without their resources place can’t be successful,” said Mr Sena responding Rep Eli Crane (R-AZ). “Without them being fully open operational causes problems us fighting threats transnational organized crime human trafficking counterterrorism need resources much possible includes DHS Office Intelligence Analysis without backbone supporting us problem.”
Mr Mabin echoed concerns about staffing if funding isn’t released soon:
“We do need see release FIFA funds so can get staffing officers because when comes end day need X number officers these point positions control positions execute planning World Cup.”
Finally gaps remain regarding information sharing among agencies ahead major events according Mr Sena:
“The ultimate issue have all these multiple pots tips leads information aren’t consolidated don’t know missing until bad things happen even during Super Bowl belief missing some tips leads one source party one partners actually called tip see somebody would send tip never came Fusion Centers designed help facilitate move data technology has not progressed issues have today silos excellence don’t connect anybody.”
