FEMA Freeze Casts Shadow Over World Cup Security Planning

Security planning for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States is facing mounting uncertainty as FEMA funding earmarked for host cities remains frozen during the federal shutdown.

At a congressional hearing, city representatives described the situation as increasingly urgent. The FIFA World Cup Grant Program had allocated $625 million for venue protection and counterterrorism efforts, with an additional $250 million designated to enhance drone detection capabilities.

Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association, acknowledged that preparations are not where they should be at this stage. Meanwhile, Ray Martinez, COO of the Miami Host Committee, stated that without the $70 million requested for local preparations, key public events such as Fan Fest could be scrapped by the end of March.

Police officials in Kansas City and organizers in Foxboro echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that security staffing and operational planning cannot move forward without guaranteed funding.

Source: NewstimeHub