Full Breakdown
Workers Demand FIFA Exclude ICE from World Cup Operations
4/10/2026, 9:49:55 PM
Labor Concerns at SoFi Stadium
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, approximately 2,000 hospitality workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, represented by the union Unite Here Local 11, are demanding that FIFA and stadium owner Kroenke Sports & Entertainment exclude U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from tournament operations. The union has warned of a potential strike if their demands are not met, citing ongoing labor contract negotiations and concerns about worker safety and conditions.
The union's demands include a public commitment from FIFA and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment that ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not participate in World Cup activities. They are also seeking guarantees for job protections, improved working conditions, and support for affordable housing initiatives for hospitality workers in the region. The World Cup is set to feature eight matches at SoFi Stadium, with the first match scheduled for June 12 between the United States and Paraguay.
Background and Context
The union's concerns have intensified following statements from Todd Lyons, the acting director of the Department of Homeland Security, who indicated that ICE would play a significant role in the security framework for the tournament. This has raised fears among workers and immigrant communities about the potential for enforcement actions around the event, which could discourage attendance and create anxiety among international visitors.
In response to these concerns, House Democrats have introduced the Save the World Cup Act, which aims to restrict ICE's civil immigration enforcement near stadiums and fan zones. The legislation seeks to ensure that the presence of immigration enforcement does not deter fans and disrupt the inclusive atmosphere that the World Cup aims to foster.
Criticism and Opposition
Kurt Petersen, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, criticized FIFA and its corporate sponsors for profiting from the event while neglecting the needs of the workers who support it. He stated, "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." The union's demands also extend to ensuring that artificial intelligence and automation are not used to replace union jobs during the tournament.
Official Statements and Responses
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security emphasized that the agency's mission is to ensure a safe experience for all fans, stating, "International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about." However, the union remains skeptical, arguing that the presence of ICE could create an unwelcoming environment for both workers and attendees.
What's Next
As the World Cup draws near, the union's demands remain unmet, and both FIFA and SoFi Stadium have not publicly responded to the possibility of a strike. The situation underscores the ongoing struggle of organized labor against powerful international entities, advocating for fair treatment and the protection of workers' rights, particularly for those in vulnerable positions within the hospitality sector. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the operational integrity of the World Cup in Los Angeles.
