HOUSTON – With just weeks until World Cup matches arrive in Houston, the FBI in Houston says security planning has been underway for more than a year — and a key part of that plan is a centralized command post where federal, state and local agencies will work side by side.
KPRC 2 News got an inside look inside the room at FBI headquarters in Houston that will become the region’s World Cup security hub starting next month.
The goal: collect, analyze and share intelligence in real time as hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to pour into the city.
“We like to think of it as seven Super Bowls over the course of a few weeks,” said Jason Hudson, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Houston. “The preparation that goes into one Super Bowl is enormous, so if you can imagine planning for seven of those in a row is very sizable and very significant.”
Focus on prevention — and stopping violence before it happens
Hudson said the top priority is prevention, with planning stretching back roughly a year and a half. He said the FBI’s mission is to keep the event safe by identifying and disrupting threats before they reach any venue.
“Our primary focus is keeping FIFA safe,” Hudson said. “We want ensure that anyone that wants to carry out a violent act, that we’re doing everything we can to prevent that, whether it be a lone offender, whether it’s someone that’s tied to a nation state or a foreign terrorist organization.”
Officials said the stadium will have a secure perimeter, and federal law enforcement has been running drills and sharing intelligence with partner agencies to prepare.
Watching the skies: drone detection and takeover technology
One concern investigators are tracking is the use of drones near venues — whether for disruption, surveillance, or worse.
“The usage of drones is a concern here during FIFA,” Hudson said. “We want to make sure that any operators are doing that within the scope and based on the regulations. In the event that folks are flying drones in a no-fly area, we will detect those drones.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety is spending millions on technology designed to spot — and even take over — unauthorized drones near World Cup venues, according to officials.
Cyber threats, scams and big money at stake
Authorities are also preparing for cyber threats as the World Cup’s global spotlight and huge financial impact draw criminals looking for opportunities online.
With an estimated half a million fans expected and about $1.5 billion projected to flow into Houston, officials say the event creates an enticing target.
“And that is very enticing for someone that is a cyber criminal actor that can take advantage,” Hudson said.
Law enforcement is also warning fans about ticket and rental scams — urging people to only buy tickets or book accommodations through reputable sources online.
Inside the command post: faster info sharing with local police and emergency managers
The command post is designed for speed, with agencies sitting in the same space to share information instantly. Senior Supervisory Intelligence Analyst Isis Jones said the setup allows any threat-related information coming into the FBI to be immediately passed to partners on the ground.
“We will seamlessly share information over the course of 42 days in support of the World Cup games,” Jones said.
Jones said the planning also includes preparing for severe weather — including the possibility of a hurricane — and ensuring there’s a clear, coordinated plan to keep fans informed and safe during an emergency.
What officials want from the public
Even with technology and intelligence resources ramping up, officials emphasized a familiar message: public awareness still matters.
If you see something, say something.