Workers threaten strike if ICE participates in the World Cup
Posted on 04/07/26 at 21:32
- Workers threaten World Cup 2026 strike
- Demand exclusion of ICE from the World Cup
- Labor conflict in Los Angeles
A labor conflict could impact the organization of the World Cup in Los Angeles, amid tensions over ICE participation and working conditions.
Union demands ICE be excluded from the World Cup 2026
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According to La Jornada, a union representing about 2,000 food service workers at SoFi Stadium asked FIFA to keep ICE out of the tournament.
The organization Unite Here Local 11 made the demand this Monday.
The group warned that workers could go on strike.
The union represents cooks, servers, and bartenders at the Inglewood venue.
The request comes just weeks before the start of the World Cup.
Workers say they still do not have a labor contract.
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Among their demands, the union is asking for a public commitment.
They are requesting that ICE and Border Patrol not participate in the event.
They also demand guarantees for their jobs and working conditions.
The request is directed at both FIFA and the stadium’s owners.
Concerns over security and working conditions at the World Cup 2026
The acting director of the Department of Homeland Security, Todd Lyons, stated that ICE would have a “key role” in the World Cup.
This possibility raised concern among workers.
The union believes this puts safety at risk.
Both for workers and visitors in Los Angeles.
They also raised concerns about the use of technology.
The union requested guarantees against the implementation of artificial intelligence.
They also oppose the use of automation to eliminate union jobs.
The demands include labor protection and stability.
They also seek support to improve conditions in the sector.
The World Cup strike conflict combines labor demands and concerns over ICE presence and immigration.
Additional demands and lack of response from FIFA
The union presented three main demands.
First, to exclude ICE and Border Patrol from the tournament.
Second, to protect jobs and working conditions.
Third, to support affordable housing initiatives for workers.
The union highlighted the impact of housing costs in Los Angeles.
Especially in the Inglewood area.
They also requested protections for migrant families.
According to Unite Here Local 11, FIFA has not responded to their requests.
They stated they have tried to meet with the organization multiple times.
Representatives from SoFi Stadium also did not provide comments.
“FIFA and its corporate sponsors will pocket billions (…) while refusing even to recognize workers,” said Kurt Petersen.
The union leader questioned the lack of dialogue.
Los Angeles will host eight World Cup matches.
The first will be between the United States and Paraguay on June 12.
The development of the tournament could be affected if the conflict escalates.
Negotiations remain stalled just weeks before the event.
