LA law enforcement will be in a state of heightened security for the two Iranian FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium in June, revealing they have been working overtime gathering “information and intelligence,” leading up to the controversial team’s arrival.
At a press conference hosted Monday morning by Nathan Hochman, the DA explained the coordinated effort between entities providing safety in the city for the June 11 to July 19 event, during which Sheriff Robert Luna explained “Iran does bring a different dynamic.”
Luna has been working closely with the Secret Service, Inglewood Police and the LAPD and says they “are prepared for any contingency” and extra staffing will be present for the games.
Iran will play two high profile matches at SoFi, one against New Zealand on June 15 and then against Belgium on June 22.
It’s been announced the Iranian team will be staying in Tijuana, Mexico and flying in and out of LA on the same day as the matches.
“Anyone who seeks to turn the celebration into chaos, you will find no refuge in this city. You will be arrested,” said Police Chief Jim McDonnell “This is a terrible time to commit a crime in LA,” added Hochman.
Personnel have planned for several years and traveled to different countries to prepare for the once in a lifetime event, according to Luna.
Police are planning on keeping areas safe with drone enforcement and layered security. Temporary flight restrictions will be put in place above SoFi Stadium.
The Secret Service plans to be throughout the city to “protect dignitaries and heads of state” who will be travelling through and staying in LA during futbol’s biggest event.
“It’s the most popular sport on earth,” McDonnell said.
When Sheriff Luna was asked if ICE will have a presence at games, he said that he had called Homeland Security and that he was told there will be federal agents there to help protect, but not for immigrant enforcement.
“If that happens we will have other problems,” he said.