DHS secretary touts security operation to protect World Cup fans

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin talks to Fox News Chief Correspondent Jonathan Hunt about security to protect World Cup fans in the U.S.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin has hailed the huge security operation surrounding the World Cup, and the cooperation between federal and local law enforcement as "amazing."

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Chief Correspondent Jonathan Hunt, Mullin said he won’t get a good night’s sleep until July 20, the day after the World Cup Final, but speaking at the Seattle Stadium, Mullin said he’s delighted the security operation is running smoothly even in blue cities like Seattle and Los Angeles. And he hopes leaders in those cities might learn from that.

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United States fans react during the march to the match before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (Eric Hiller / AP)

"We may disagree on a lot of stuff when it comes to immigration and maybe some other issues," the secretary said, "but when it comes to protecting the fans and the fans’ experience here, in LA or in other areas around the country, we've all really worked together, and I hope we can carry that on between the state, federal and local partnerships. We can do a good job for our cities when we work together."

Millions of soccer fans from around the world are experiencing the U.S. for the first time and many, given the media coverage of the Trump administration in their home countries, appeared to expect a high-profile militarized security operation. But that is not what they’ve found.

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