The logistics of attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 are complex: securing flights, accommodations, local transportation, and match tickets. However, another obstacle is emerging for the 2026 games: the possible presence of immigration agents, Border Patrol operations, and strike threats from workers at SoFi Stadium.
What Strike Threats Exist?
According to Reuters, the union Unite Here Local 11 announced last month that it has demanded FIFA keep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of World Cup operations in Los Angeles and warned that stadium workers could go on strike if their demands are not met at the Southern California stadium.
The union said it could call a strike before or during World Cup matches if those conditions regarding ICE presence are not respected. They also noted that, even without a formal strike, workers could refuse to work if they believe the presence of immigration agents creates an unsafe environment.
It’s worth noting that Unite Here Local 11 represents about 2,000 food service workers at the stadium in Inglewood, California, many of whom are immigrants or part of mixed-status families.
What’s happening at SoFi Stadium is not an isolated incident but a pressure point where immigration, labor, and security issues intersect during a major international event. Other stadiums in the U.S. could follow this precedent if tensions rise during the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As of the time of writing, FIFA has not publicly commented on this strike threat.
Can ICE Conduct Operations or Arrests In or Around SoFi Stadium During the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. As noted in previous blogs about other sporting events, ICE agents can be present at stadiums, just like in other public spaces, and may request that individuals show documentation if deemed necessary. In past instances, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and ICE have posted on social media indicating they were ready to “provide security” at World Cup games.
Does Attending the World Cup Increase the Risk of Contact With Federal Agents?
Yes, it may increase the risk of getting caught up in the current immigration crackdown. Travel by air, even domestically, requires going through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints and possible document verification. There have also been reports of information-sharing between government agencies, including TSA and immigration authorities.
Additionally, events of this scale typically involve increased federal presence and a higher likelihood of interactions with immigration or law enforcement officers. This does not necessarily mean there will be mass immigration raids, but it does suggest heightened screening and surveillance at World Cup venues for the duration.
What Rights Do I Have When Dealing With ICE, Local Law Enforcement, and My Employer?
Regardless of your immigration status, it’s important to know your rights:
- When dealing with ICE: You are not required to answer questions, sign documents, or open the door if you are in a private space and agents do not have a warrant signed by a judge. If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not required to show documents. If you are a non-citizen, you should carry valid proof of your immigration status. Never present false documents or claim to be a citizen if you are not.
- When dealing with local police: Depending on the state, you may only be required to identify yourself. You are not obligated to answer additional questions. In many World Cup host cities, such as Los Angeles or New York, policies limit cooperation with ICE, while other cities have broader agreements with federal authorities.
- When dealing with your employer: Your labor rights exist regardless of your immigration status. You must be paid for all hours worked, including overtime when applicable, provided safe working conditions, and protected from retaliation for reporting abuse, wage theft, or unsafe conditions.
What Should I Know About Temporary Contracts and Basic Labor Rights?
At events of this scale, hiring through temporary staffing agencies is common for roles in security, cleaning, food service, and logistics.
Important points to review in any employment contract include:
- How much you will be paid and how often
- How many hours you will work and whether overtime will be paid
- Who your legal employer is (the agency or the stadium)
- Whether there will be deductions for uniforms, transportation, or credentials
- The conditions for canceling or terminating the contract
- Always request a signed copy of your contract
Remember, it is illegal for an employer to threaten to call immigration authorities as retaliation for claiming wages, reporting wage theft, or raising concerns about unsafe conditions. Additionally, no one — supervisors, law enforcement agencies, or stadium administrators — can keep your personal documents.
The confiscation of passports or identification may be considered a sign of labor exploitation or human trafficking. Consult an employment lawyer immediately if you believe your rights are being violated.
The 2026 World Cup will not only be the largest tournament organized by FIFA under Gianni Infantino’s leadership, but also a test of immigration, labor, and security policies in the United States, along with the growing use of surveillance systems and artificial intelligence in airports, stadiums, and border checkpoints.
Companies involved in stadium operations, such as Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, will also face public pressure to ensure basic rights for workers and fans.
The 2026 World Cup promises to unite cultures and celebrate soccer, but it will also bring to the surface deeper debates about immigration, security, human rights, and labor conditions.
Translated from Abogado.com. Lea el blog en español.
Related Resources
- Legal to Use 'World Cup' in Ads, Social Media Posts? (FindLaw's Small Business)
- U.S. Has Suspended Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries. Will it Affect Visitors for the World Cup? (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
