LA deploys 5-agency security force for 8 World Cup matches

Federal and local law enforcement agencies unveiled Monday one of the largest security operations in Los Angeles history in preparation for eight FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium, with the first game set for June 12.

The five-agency effort covers counterterrorism training, drone interdiction and crowd control — and officials say it will serve as a security blueprint for the 2028 Olympic Games. For Orange County's large Korean-American and immigrant communities, a key announcement: federal immigration authorities told local law enforcement there will be no civil enforcement actions at any of the matches.

The L.A. County Sheriff's Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Inglewood Police Department, the FBI and the Secret Service are jointly overseeing security for all eight World Cup games at SoFi Stadium, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Officers from each agency have completed specialized counterterrorism training and crowd control courses ahead of the tournament.

L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed residents directly at Monday's press conference. "To our residents, we've got your back," Hochman said. "We're going to make sure that we keep streets and the venues of Los Angeles safe for you."

The question of immigration enforcement drew particular attention from communities across the region. L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said federal authorities assured local law enforcement that civil immigration actions would not take place at the games. "In regards to civil immigration enforcement, they told us that specifically would not be occurring at any of the games," Luna said. "Any of that is subject to change, but I have trust that they're giving me the appropriate information, because if that starts occurring, we're going to have a whole new host of problems."

Drone operators will face strict airspace restrictions around SoFi Stadium on match days. Pilots who violate restricted airspace risk fines of up to $100,000 and confiscation of their equipment, officials said. Dedicated drone detection and mitigation teams will monitor the skies throughout the tournament.

Fans without tickets can attend one of 10 free fan zones planned across the region, stretching from Venice Beach to Union Station. A free FIFA Fan Festival opens at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on June 11 — one day before the opening match, which will pit the United States against Paraguay. On Saturday, a Mexico-Australia friendly at the Rose Bowl drew hundreds of fans eager for a preview of the region's World Cup atmosphere, ABC7 reported.

Officials said the security apparatus built for this summer's World Cup will directly inform planning for the 2028 Olympic Games, giving Southern California's law enforcement agencies a critical opportunity to stress-test protocols before an even larger global event.