The government shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security is raising new questions about security in 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities. At a Congressional hearing Tuesday, members of the House Homeland Security Committee heard from law enforcement officials concerned that the DHS shutdown coul d hurt their efforts to keep crowds safe. Host cities, including the Dallas-Fort Worth region, are still waiting for DHS to release $625 million in FEMA security grants that Congress approved. But that money is now locked up until the agency re-opens. An official from Miami’s host committee testified Tuesday that the city may have to scale back its World Cup events unless it receives federal dollars soon. “Generously, I say, within the next 30 days is the drop-dead date. I know that the local agencies are very anxious, but without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination,” said Ray Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami host committee, and a former Miami law enforcement official. A high-ranking official from the Kansas City, Missouri, police department told the committee that his city needs federal funding now to cover costs, including police overtime. “The drop-dead date is immediate. We need commitments from mutual aid partners to help supplement our officers just because of the scope, scale, and duration of the games,” said Kansas City Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin. It’s unclear when DHS will reopen. The Senate has been deadlocked on a bill to fund the agency amidst a debate over immigration enforcement. In Dallas, there have been no indications so far that funding delays could impact events, like the FIFA fan festival planned for Dallas’ Fair Park. In a statement, Dallas Police told NBC 5, “We will move forward with our plans with the understanding that reimbursement will be forthcoming. Our focus will remain on delivering a safe, secure, and well-coordinated event…” In Arlington, where the local World Cup matches will be played, police told NBC 5 the department”… continues to move forward with operational planning.” A police spokesman said the city is “committed to providing a safe, fun experience.” But Texas Republican Congressman Michael McCaul raised concerns Tuesday that any funding delay threatens to hamper planning and intelligence sharing among cities, federal agencies, and law enforcement fusion centers that coordinate intelligence. “The Senate is playing politics with this and decided to shut down the federal government,” McCaul said. “I would argue it’s going to be on their head if they don’t get this government back open and get this money directly to your fusion centers and the state and locals here, if something bad happens, it’s going to be on their head.” McCaul also highlighted threats, including the risk of drone attacks on large crowds. Some host cities have said they need additional funds, equipment and training to counter that threat, especially at events away from the stadiums, which will receive a higher level of federal protection. In an interview with NBC 5’s Tahera Rahman on Wednesday, Monica Paul, president of the Dallas FIFA host committee, said local cities are forging ahead while waiting for federal funds. Paul said that the committee does not anticipate altering any plans for the Fair Park fan festival. Officials familiar with the planning discussions in Dallas tell NBC 5 Investigates local organizers believe it would be helpful for law enforcement to have the federal funds at their fingertips now. But officials stressed that delays would not prevent them from ensuring the best possible security outcomes. In addition to federal funding, the local organizing committee is finalizing an application for a state grant to support security efforts. Dallas is set to host the most FIFA World Cup events, with nine games at ATT Stadium and an international broadcast center in downtown Dallas. NBC 5 Investigates also reached out to DHS for comment, but the agency did not immediately respond. DHS has said responses will be delayed during the temporary shutdown. ...read more read less