World Cup host cities warn Congress over security concerns - ESPN

Local officials representing World Cup host cities warned Congress on Tuesday that security concerns, coordination problems and inadequate federal funding are risking catastrophe with little more than 100 days remaining before the games begin.

Witnesses joined members of the House Homeland Security Committee in citing the urgent need to unfreeze FEMA money earmarked for the host cities' security needs.

Officials testified before the committee that local agencies have failed to coordinate adequately with each other and the federal government as they work out complex security details on transportation, hotels, fan events and practice locations, as well as the stadiums themselves.

Drone threats, human trafficking, the presence of ICE agents at games and the recent cartel violence in Mexico are adding to the troubled picture provided not only by the witnesses but also by committee members themselves.

They registered their concerns on the 11th day of a freeze on Homeland Security Department funding following deadly shootings of U.S. citizens by ICE officers in Minneapolis. The department also dispenses the Federal Emergency Management Agency funds required for World Cup security.

The federal government had previously earmarked $625 million for the 11 U.S. host cities «to enhance security and preparedness» and $250 million «to strengthen their ability to detect, identify, track, or mitigate» drone threats, FEMA states on its website. Security planning is heavily impacted by the government's inability to dispense the funds.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City, with Los Angeles hosting the opening U.S. game on June 12 and New York and New Jersey hosting the final on July 19. Recent drug cartel violence near