Fact Check: Is Kylian Mbappe in ICE custody during the FIFA World Cup?

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the ongoing FIFA World Cup, a viral social media rumor claimed that French soccer star Kylian Mbappe had been taken into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompting widespread speculation and backlash online.

The claim quickly spread across multiple social media platforms, with many users believing it to be genuine. Here's a closer look at where the rumor originated and whether there is any truth to it.

Claim: Kylian Mbappe is in ICE custody during the FIFA World Cup

According to a viral post on X, Kylian Mbappe was reportedly being held in ICE custody. The post amassed more than 700,000 views as of this writing and also spread across Facebook and Threads.

The claim sparked mixed reactions online. Many soccer fans criticized the alleged ICE action and condemned President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, indicating they believed the claim was genuine.

Others, however, questioned the authenticity of the post and expressed skepticism over whether the story was legitimate.

Fact Check: Viral ICE custody claim about Kylian Mbappe originated as satire

The claim is false. There is no evidence that Kylian Mbappe has been detained by ICE.

A Google search found no reports from credible news organizations or major sports outlets confirming the claim. Had such an incident occurred, it would have received extensive media coverage.

Further investigation shows the rumor originated from the parody X account Hoops Crave, which clearly identifies itself in its profile bio as "satire." The post was created as a parody and not as a factual report.

A fact-check generated by Grok also stated, “Kylian Mbappe is not in US ICE custody. This is a fabricated claim from the parody account HoopsCrave, using a meme-style post with his photo and the ICE logo. No credible news sources report any such incident, and it contradicts Mbappé's status as a French citizen and professional footballer based in Europe."

Based on the available evidence, the claim is rated false and originated as satire intended for engagement.

What did Markwayne Mullin say about ICE at FIFA World Cup venues?

Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin has clarified that ICE officers will not be stationed at FIFA World Cup venues to conduct mass immigration sweeps.

"We're not there to go round up mass individuals," Mullin said, explaining that ICE personnel present at tournament venues are focused on security operations and identifying serious criminal threats rather than targeting undocumented immigrants.

Mullin also stressed that the government is not using the international sporting event as a trap for unauthorized immigrants.

"But we are always looking for the worst of the worst. We're going to continue to do that," he said.