Los Angeles Stadium Staff Threaten Strike if ICE Is Deployed at World Cup Venue
Employees at Los Angeles's SoFi Stadium today threatened to strike if federal immigration enforcement officers are stationed at the venue during next month's World Cup matches. The union UNITE HERE Local 11, representing about 2,000 food and hospitality workers, is demanding a guarantee from the federal government that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel will not be deployed, citing concerns it would create an atmosphere of fear for staff and fans.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 16:02
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(CNA, Inglewood, California, May 18, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Employees at Los Angeles's SoFi Stadium today threatened to strike if federal immigration enforcement officers are stationed at the venue during next month's World Cup matches.
AFP reports that the union UNITE HERE Local 11, representing about 2,000 food and hospitality workers, is demanding a guarantee from the federal government that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel will not be deployed during the eight World Cup matches held at the world's most expensive stadium.
Stadium employees stated that the presence of ICE personnel would create an atmosphere of fear for them and the fans.
"ICE should not have any role in these games. We don't want to come to work in fear every day, and we don't want to worry about being detained on our way home from work," said Isaac Martinez, a cook protesting outside the stadium.
He added, "If an agreement cannot be reached, my colleagues and I are prepared to strike."
ICE was the main enforcement arm of U.S. President Trump's immigration crackdown, and human rights groups have criticized its controversial enforcement tactics during raids in several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, last year.
In early 2026, ICE agents shot and killed two American protesters in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Stadium employees today also expressed concerns about the accreditation process of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). According to the regulations, employees must submit personal information before the start of the tournament. This year's World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
"We demand that FIFA does not share our information with ICE, foreign governments, or intelligence agencies," said employee Yolanda Fierro.
Protesters held plastic soccer balls and signs reading "Kick ICE Out of the World Cup" and were supported by popular California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer.
Steyer, who transitioned from finance to politics, said that ICE's duty is border control. "Can anyone explain what this has to do with the World Cup? Nothing at all."
The Democratic candidate added, "How can we allow them here when we know this agency poses a complete and lawless threat to California's workers?"
AFP reports that the union UNITE HERE Local 11, representing about 2,000 food and hospitality workers, is demanding a guarantee from the federal government that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel will not be deployed during the eight World Cup matches held at the world's most expensive stadium.
Stadium employees stated that the presence of ICE personnel would create an atmosphere of fear for them and the fans.
"ICE should not have any role in these games. We don't want to come to work in fear every day, and we don't want to worry about being detained on our way home from work," said Isaac Martinez, a cook protesting outside the stadium.
He added, "If an agreement cannot be reached, my colleagues and I are prepared to strike."
ICE was the main enforcement arm of U.S. President Trump's immigration crackdown, and human rights groups have criticized its controversial enforcement tactics during raids in several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, last year.
In early 2026, ICE agents shot and killed two American protesters in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Stadium employees today also expressed concerns about the accreditation process of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). According to the regulations, employees must submit personal information before the start of the tournament. This year's World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
"We demand that FIFA does not share our information with ICE, foreign governments, or intelligence agencies," said employee Yolanda Fierro.
Protesters held plastic soccer balls and signs reading "Kick ICE Out of the World Cup" and were supported by popular California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer.
Steyer, who transitioned from finance to politics, said that ICE's duty is border control. "Can anyone explain what this has to do with the World Cup? Nothing at all."
The Democratic candidate added, "How can we allow them here when we know this agency poses a complete and lawless threat to California's workers?"