ICE Arrests at World Cup: What It Means for Removal Proceedings
ICE officers in Kansas City arrested a man near a World Cup venue in July 2026 after a drone violation led federal agents straight to his immigration record — including a prior deportation and felony conviction. The case is a sharp reminder of how quickly a non-immigration incident can trigger removal proceedings. For anyone with a criminal record or a prior removal order, the risk is not abstract.
What if you have a prior removal order on your record — and ICE is running heightened enforcement in your city right now? That question became very real in Kansas City this summer, when federal agents arrested a 51-year-old Mexican national on July 6, 2026, just days after he was caught flying a drone near Arrowhead Stadium during World Cup festivities.
The arrest followed a drone violation in a federal no-fly zone on July 3. Federal agents seized the drone and notified ICE Kansas City. Officers made the immigration arrest three days later. The man, who had been removed from the United States in 2003 and unlawfully reentered — a federal felony — remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. ICE acting Assistant Field Officer Director Chris Chamberlain said the arrest was the result of coordination between multiple agencies focused on security around World Cup events.
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The case illustrates a pattern ICE has described publicly: nearly 70% of its arrests in 2026 involve people charged with or convicted of a crime in the United States. A prior removal order combined with an unlawful reentry makes someone a priority target. Reentry after removal is a federal felony, and it significantly limits the options available in immigration court. People in this situation generally cannot apply for most forms of relief — including asylum or a green card — without first addressing the reentry charge.
What This Means If You Have a Criminal Record or Prior Removal
- If you have a prior removal order and reentered the US, talk to an immigration lawyer immediately. Reentry after removal is a federal felony that affects nearly every form of immigration relief.
- If you are in removal proceedings, you have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge. Do not miss your court date — missing it results in an automatic order of removal.
- If ICE arrests you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to contact an attorney. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration history without a lawyer present.
- If you have a criminal record, ask an immigration attorney how each conviction affects your eligibility for relief before your next court hearing.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Appealing to the BIA”.
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A prior removal order combined with an unlawful reentry dramatically narrows your options in immigration court — most forms of relief, including asylum and adjustment of status, are unavailable without first resolving the federal reentry charge. If you are in this situation, the 30-day deadline to appeal a removal order and the 90-day window to file a motion to reopen are critical; missing either can permanently close your case. Consult an immigration attorney before your next court date, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE arrest me because of a non-immigration violation, like a traffic stop or a drone incident?
Yes. Any contact with law enforcement — including federal agencies — can lead to an immigration check. If agents find an outstanding removal order or discover you are undocumented, they can refer your case to ICE or make an arrest directly.
What happens if I was previously deported and came back to the US?
Reentering the US after a removal order is a federal felony. It makes you a high priority for ICE enforcement and severely limits your options in immigration court. Most standard forms of relief — including green card applications and asylum — are very difficult or impossible to pursue without first addressing the reentry charge.
If ICE arrests me, do I have any rights?
Yes. You have the right to remain silent — you do not have to answer questions about your immigration history or where you were born. You have the right to contact an attorney. You do not have to sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first.
What is the deadline to appeal a removal order?
You have 30 days from the date of the removal order to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals. If you miss that window, you can file a motion to reopen within 90 days, but the grounds are limited. Both deadlines are strict — missing them can end your case permanently.