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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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A union representing approximately 2,000 hospitality workers at SoFi Stadium said that it could call a strike if immigration enforcement agencies are involved in World Cup operations in Los Angeles.
Newsweek has contacted FIFA for comment.
Why It Matters
UNITE HERE Local 11 said members, including cooks, servers and bartenders at SoFi Stadium, remain without a labor contract as World Cup preparations continue, adding that the potential presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection at or near matches has raised concerns among workers about safety and working conditions. This comes amid fears among immigrant communities and lawmakers about possible enforcement activity around venues.
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What To Know
In a statement, the union called on FIFA and stadium owner Kroenke Sports & Entertainment to publicly commit that federal immigration enforcement agencies will not participate in operations tied to the tournament at the Los Angeles venue. It also sought guarantees on job protections and workplace standards, along with support for affordable housing initiatives for hospitality workers in the region.
Los Angeles is scheduled to host eight World Cup games at SoFi Stadium, beginning with a match between the United States and Paraguay on June 12.
The union said it has repeatedly requested meetings with FIFA since Los Angeles was selected as a host city but has not yet secured a response.
Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing in February that the agency would be a key part of the overall security framework for the tournament and did not rule out the possibility of enforcement operations around matches.
House Democrats have introduced a set of bills seeking to restrict the role of ICE agents during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States.
The proposals would limit civil immigration enforcement near stadiums, fan zones, and transit hubs, amid concerns from lawmakers and advocates that operations by ICE and Customs and Border Protection could discourage attendance and create anxiety among international visitors and immigrant communities as the U.S. prepares to co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico.
The Save the World Cup Act, introduced by New Jersey Democratic Representative Nellie Pou, whose district includes MetLife Stadium, would prohibit civil immigration enforcement in areas around World Cup venues, parking facilities, and fan festivals, including measures that lawmakers say could otherwise be used for enforcement operations affecting surrounding communities.
The United States is set to host matches in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle.
What People Are Saying
Kurt Petersen, co-president of Local 11, said in a statement to Reuters: "FIFA and its corporate sponsors will pocket billions from Los Angeles while refusing to even acknowledge the cooks, servers, and stand attendants who make this event possible,"
A DHS spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "DHS will work with our local and federal partners to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup…as we do with every major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the entire world. Our mission is simple: ensure every fan – Americans and visitors alike – has a safe and unforgettable experience.
"International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the U. S.— full stop. Speculation to the contrary is ill-informed. At the same time, foreign visitors MUST be proactive and should start working on their travel plans and documents well ahead of time to ensure a smooth travel experience."
What Happens Next
The World Cup is set to begin this summer, with the first match scheduled for June 11.
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