Vendors and Businesses in Los Angeles Face Insecurity and Fear of ICE During the 2026 World Cup

Los Angeles wants MacArthur Park to become one of the community postcards of the 2026 World Cup.

However, merchants and vendors in the area say the reality is very different: sales remain affected by insecurity and fear of possible immigration operations, even as thousands of fans begin arriving to follow the tournament.

Why it matters: The World Cup promises to generate billions of dollars in economic activity for Los Angeles, but MacArthur Park merchants question how much of that benefit will actually reach those who depend on daily sales.

MacArthur Park Becomes the Latino Showcase of the World Cup

As authorities promote the event as an economic opportunity for the city, small businesses and street vendors say problems such as homelessness, drug use, and fear generated by ICE continue to keep customers away.

Los Angeles World Cup 2026 vendors face insecurity and fear – PHOTO: Shutterstock

As part of the city program “Kick It in the Park,” promoted by the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, MacArthur Park was selected as one of the official venues for free World Cup match screenings.

Authorities hope the activities will attract families, residents, and visitors during World Cup match days. For the city, the event represents an opportunity to show a positive image of an area that has faced major social challenges for years.

World Cup 2026 Promises Millions for Los Angeles, but Reality Raises Doubts

Los Angeles is one of the main host cities of the 2026 World Cup, and official projections anticipate a significant arrival of tourists and spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and businesses.

However, that economic expectation coexists with problems that remain visible in different parts of the city.

Los Angeles World Cup 2026 vendors face insecurity and fear – PHOTO: Shutterstock

The homelessness crisis continues to be one of Los Angeles’ greatest urban challenges, while areas such as MacArthur Park have faced problems related to drug use and insecurity for years.

During the pandemic, the park became one of the areas most affected by the fentanyl crisis. Although authorities have promoted recovery programs, many residents say the changes remain limited.

Los Angeles Merchants Say Fear Continues to Keep Customers Away

For some vendors, concern is not limited to safety.

A Salvadoran merchant consulted by EFE said the constant presence of operations and agents has ended up affecting sales.

According to her, some people avoid visiting the park because of the presence of people experiencing homelessness, while others feel intimidated when they see a heavy police presence.

Los Angeles merchants hope sales will increase during the World Cup.
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— Noticias Telemundo (@TelemundoNews) June 5, 2026

The situation has become especially sensitive after recent immigration raids carried out in different areas of Los Angeles.

“People are afraid to come because there are many homeless people, but when people see police, they also get scared because they think it is immigration,” the vendor told EFE.

For those who depend on daily sales, any reduction in visitor flow translates directly into lower income.

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Neighbors Hope the Changes Do Not End With the World Cup

Not everyone is convinced the improvements will be permanent.

Some residents consulted by EFE believe much of the current attention is tied to the arrival of the World Cup and doubt the efforts will continue once the tournament ends.

Even so, other neighbors see soccer as an opportunity to revitalize the community. Julio, a young Guatemalan man who often visits the park to play soccer, believes these types of activities can have a positive impact on young people and families.

What’s next: MacArthur Park is at a decisive moment.

For vendors and small businesses, true success will not depend only on soccer celebrations, but on whether the tournament translates into more customers, higher income, and improvements that remain long after the final match.