Los Angeles World Cup stadium workers threaten strike over ICE deployment

"Workers represented by a local union say ICE presence would create a climate of fear during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Workers at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have decided to go on strike if federal immigration enforcement agents are deployed at the venue when it hosts FIFA World Cup matches in June and July. The UNITE HERE Local 11 a labour union representing some 2,000 hospitality employees on Monday demanded federal guarantees that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would not be used during the matches scheduled at the stadium."

"The venue, which will be known as the Los Angeles Stadium during the tournament, will host eight World Cup games, including the opening fixture for the United States on June 12. Workers at the world's most expensive sports arena say the ICE presence would create a climate of fear for themselves and for fans. ICE should have no role in these games, said Isaac Martinez, a stadium cook, at a protest outside the venue. We do not want to live in fear coming to work, or fear being detained going home."

"If we do not reach an agreement, my colleagues and I are ready to strike, Martinez added, speaking on behalf of a workforce composed largely of food and beverage concession staff. ICE has led the charge in President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Human rights groups have condemned the agency for its conduct during raids in several US cities, including Los Angeles last year. In early 2026, ICE agents fatally shot two American protesters in Minneapolis."

"Workers on Monday also raised alarms over FIFA's accreditation process, which requires employees to submit personal data before the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the US, Canada and Mexico. We ask FIFA not to share our information with ICE agencies, foreign countries, or intelligence services, worker Yolanda Fierro said. Protesters carrying plastic balls and signs reading Kick ICE Out of the"

Workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles demand federal guarantees that Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not be used during FIFA World Cup matches in June and July. The venue will host eight games, including the United States opening match on June 12. Workers say ICE presence would create fear for employees and fans, and a stadium cook stated they do not want to live in fear of detention while going to and from work. The union also raised concerns about FIFA’s accreditation process, which requires employees to submit personal data. Workers asked FIFA not to share their information with ICE, foreign countries, or intelligence services.

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