MIAMI — A high-profile World Cup celebration hosted by Telemundo ended early Wednesday night after a federal immigration agent joined the Coast Guard during a routine vessel inspection, prompting concerns about the region’s reputation as an international destination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The event, held on the floating venue “Barefoot Princess” in Biscayne Bay, included Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava among its guests and was meant to celebrate the one-year countdown to the globally anticipated soccer tournament.
But the mood shifted abruptly when the Coast Guard boarded the vessel for what it described as a standard safety compliance check. According to the agency, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer was part of the inspection team — a routine occurrence, according to officials — but the presence of immigration enforcement at a multicultural, international-themed event sparked backlash.
Mayor: “This Should Not Have Happened”
In a sharply worded statement Thursday, Mayor Levine Cava said the inspection, and particularly reports that federal agents were asking crew members for citizenship documentation, could threaten the area’s image:
“Ensuring that all community members feel safe and included is crucial to maintaining our county’s reputation as a welcoming destination,” the mayor said.
She called the incident “deeply troubling” and warned of a “chilling effect” on international visitors, especially as Miami gears up to host multiple World Cup matches in 2026, with more than $40 million in public funding invested to attract tourism and economic activity.
What the Coast Guard Says Happened
The Coast Guard emphasized that the boarding had nothing to do with the event itself and was a safety-related check:
“This had everything to do with the operations and safety of the people onboard,” said spokesperson Chief Petty Officer Nicole Groll. “This was not a targeted immigration thing.”
Still, Groll acknowledged that during routine vessel inspections, it’s standard for officials to check IDs of crew members — which may include inquiries into immigration status. However, she could not confirm if citizenship was explicitly requested during the Wednesday night encounter.
The inspection resulted in safety citations for the Barefoot Princess, though details were not disclosed.
Backlash and Concerns
Immigrant rights advocate Thomas Kennedy drew attention to the incident via social media, citing texts from attendees who described federal agents asking staff for “proof of citizenship.”
While no arrests or removals occurred, the symbolic impact of such an encounter — especially at an event designed to showcase Miami’s diversity and hospitality — was enough to prompt Telemundo to cancel the celebration altogether after delays.
Telemundo confirmed the cancellation in a statement but did not address immigration enforcement directly.
What’s at Stake for Miami
The incident raises broader questions about federal immigration practices intersecting with local hospitality efforts, particularly as South Florida prepares to welcome thousands of international guests for the World Cup.
Levine Cava stressed that Miami-Dade must remain a place where global visitors feel welcome and secure:
“This can cause a chilling effect for visitors to continue feeling safe and welcomed in our community,” she said.
As scrutiny intensifies ahead of 2026, the event may serve as a wake-up call for local and federal officials to ensure that safety enforcement doesn’t inadvertently undermine tourism and trust — particularly at high-profile, internationally significant events.
