DHS Faces Criticism Over World Cup Posts
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently faced backlash following controversial social media posts linked to the World Cup. On Sunday, DHS deleted a post featuring an edited image of the U.S. men’s national soccer team. The image included what appeared to be the U.S.-Mexico border wall between the players and the goal, accompanied by the caption “Built the wall.” This post came after the United States achieved a 2-0 victory over Australia. Although the post was removed, DHS has not provided an explanation or clarified if the post reflected official policy.
Earlier, a separate DHS post drew online criticism. It showed three American players with the caption: “Defend the Homeland; One Nation. One Homeland. One Team,” including the words “OUR SOIL.” The players featured were defenders Chris Richards and Sergiño Dest, and forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun, an American citizen through birthright citizenship, scored twice in a 4-1 victory against Paraguay at the tournament’s start.
“Did you know our starting forward is a US citizen through birthright citizenship? You’re trying to strip away that right. Did you know an additional 6 Team USA players were born outside US soil? Did you know half the team are dual citizens?” – California Representative Ted Lieu
The DHS’s use of social media during the World Cup received criticism from lawmakers and fans. This criticism highlighted contradictions when images of immigrant players and children of immigrants promoted an agenda against birthright citizenship. California Representative Ted Lieu directly addressed these issues, noting the diverse backgrounds of Team USA.
Birthright Citizenship and Its Impact on USMNT
Folarin Balogun emerged as a standout player during the World Cup. However, his eligibility could have been jeopardized if different legal decisions had been made. Born in Brooklyn to immigrant parents aiming to return to London, Balogun gained citizenship through birth on U.S. soil. The 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship clause made this possible. Nonetheless, this same clause faces legal challenges, notably in Trump v. Barbara, argued before the Supreme Court. A ruling is expected soon.
Additionally, Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno presented the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025. This bill would require dual citizens to renounce their foreign citizenship or lose U.S. citizenship. If passed, players like Sergiño Dest and others might have been forced to choose between passports before participating in the World Cup. Legal experts, however, view the bill as unconstitutional. The proposal remains with the Senate Judiciary Committee without advancement.
USMNT’s Future in the World Cup
The United States, under manager Mauricio Pochettino, leads Group D heading into its final group-stage match. The team faces Turkey on June 25 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, at 10 p.m. ET. With victories over Paraguay and Australia, the Americans aim to make history in the modern era of men’s World Cup play. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will reach the round of 32 beginning on June 28. Winning Group D would have the United States competing in the round of 32 on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.