World Cup 2026 Workers Issue Warning Over Immigration Raids

Strike threatens World Cup 2026

ICE fuels immigration tensions

SoFi Stadium under pressure

Just 24 days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, workers at SoFi Stadium are maintaining their threat to go on strike.

The dispute centers around the possible presence of agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during matches.

Unite Here Local 11, a hospitality workers union, represents approximately 2,000 employees at the Los Angeles-area venue.

The organization is demanding guarantees that the federal government will not deploy immigration agents during the eight matches scheduled at the stadium.

Workers argue that the presence of ICE would create fear and insecurity among employees and fans.

World Cup 2026 faces strike threat

“We don’t want to live in fear”

Workers at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium are maintaining their threat to strike against ICE

https://t.co/2zyTKKoGHp

— De10Sports (@De10Sports) May 19, 2026

“ICE should have no role in these games,” said Isaac Martínez, a stadium cook.

The worker participated in a protest outside the sports venue, widely considered the most expensive stadium in the world.

“As workers, we do not want to live in fear when going to work or worry about being detained on our way home,” he added.

Martínez warned that the union is prepared to strike if an agreement is not reached.

“If we don’t reach an agreement, my coworkers and I are ready to go on strike,” he reiterated.

The group is made up primarily of food and beverage concession employees.

Concerns over ICE continue to grow

World Cup 2026 labor Strike Over Immigration Raids. Photo ChatGPT

ICE has been one of the main agencies involved in the anti-immigration crackdown promoted by President Donald Trump.

The agency has faced criticism from human rights organizations over immigration raids and enforcement operations in multiple cities.

Los Angeles is among the cities where ICE operations have generated controversy.

The agency has also been accused of targeting individuals with Hispanic accents, even when they are legally present in the country.

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Among the incidents cited by protesters were the fatal shootings of two American demonstrators in Minneapolis earlier in 2026.

Those events increased tensions surrounding the immigration agency.

Workers at SoFi Stadium also expressed concerns about the personal information required to work during the tournament.

To receive accreditation, employees will have to share personal data with FIFA.

The concern centers on the possible use or sharing of that information with immigration or intelligence agencies.

“We are asking FIFA not to share our information or our data with any ICE agencies,” said Yolanda Fierro.

The suites services assistant also requested that the information not be shared with foreign governments or intelligence agencies.

During the demonstrations, protesters carried signs opposing ICE’s presence at the World Cup 2026.

Some participants also brought plastic soccer balls displaying messages related to the tournament.

Tom Steyer backs the protests

The protests also received support Monday from Tom Steyer, one of the leading candidates for governor of California.

The businessman and financier publicly questioned the possible involvement of ICE during the 2026 World Cup.

“ICE’s job is border enforcement,” Steyer said during the rally.

“Can someone explain to me what that has to do with the World Cup? Nothing,” he added.

The Democratic candidate also criticized the possibility of immigration agents operating at international sporting events.

“How is it possible that this is the agency that’s going to be here when we know they are an absolute threat to workers in California?” he asked.

Steyer has centered part of his campaign on tax proposals aimed at making wealthy individuals pay higher taxes.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 through July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

SoFi Stadium will serve as one of the tournament’s main venues in the United States.