Union Launches Campaign to “Kick ICE Out” of the 2026 World Cup

Union Challenges ICE Presence at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA Response Requested

Raids Feared During World Cup

The union representing more than 2,000 workers at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium launched a campaign demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, not participate in activities related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The initiative comes amid concern from employees who fear possible immigration operations during the tournament, one of the most important sporting events in the world.

“Kick ICE out of the World Cup,” reads a banner placed at Unite Here Local 11’s union headquarters.

The organization represents SoFi Stadium workers, a workforce made up of around 2,000 people.

Union Demands ICE Be Excluded From the 2026 World Cup

Workers at the World Cup stadium in Los Angeles urge officials to “kick ICE out.” #Internacional #EU #LosÁngeles #EstadioSoFi #Trabajadores #ICE #MundialdeFutbol https://t.co/F5HFVRAeGF

— Noticieros Radio Grupo (@NoticierosRG) June 2, 2026

According to the union, most of these employees are Latino, according to Excelsior.

Behind this campaign is also the national structure of Unite Here, a labor federation that brings together more than 300,000 members in the United States and Canada.

The organization explained that workers are worried about the possibility of ICE carrying out raids during the World Cup.

They also expressed concern over the access that agency could have to personal information used in the accreditation processes required by FIFA.

Concern Over Personal Data and Immigration Operations

Unite Here said workers must provide confidential personal data to obtain the credentials needed to perform their duties during the tournament.

Given this situation, the union asked FIFA to make a public commitment guaranteeing that immigration agents will not be able to appear at World Cup venues during the competition.

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The organization considers this measure necessary to protect employees and give them certainty while they carry out their work.

So far, according to the union, FIFA has not responded to the request.

The lack of a public position from football’s governing body is keeping concern alive among workers who will be involved in match operations.

They Fear the World Cup Could Be Used for Immigration Actions

SoFi Stadium has capacity for more than 70,000 spectators and will be one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup.

Union representatives say there is fear that ICE could use the environment of a highly publicized event to carry out immigration actions.

According to the organization, any operation of this type could quickly go viral on social media.

Workers believe images or reports of immigration interventions during the tournament could generate fear among undocumented migrant communities.

The union argues that the situation must be addressed before the start of the competition to avoid risks to workers’ safety and peace of mind.

According to the organization, the current mass deportation strategy promoted by President Donald Trump seeks to create fear among migrants to encourage self-deportation.

For that reason, Unite Here insists that FIFA must speak out and establish clear guarantees for workers who will participate in the operation of the World Cup 2026 in the United States.