Labor union representatives and immigrant rights advocates gathered outside FIFA's Los Angeles World Cup offices on Wednesday, opposing policies requiring stadium workers to submit sensitive personal information as a condition of employment for the Men's World Cup tournament. The possible presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the stadiums during the tournament is the core concern.
Key Takeaways
Immigrant rights advocates rallied outside FIFA's Los Angeles World Cup offices to protest policies requiring stadium workers to submit sensitive personal information for employment during the 2026 Men's World Cup tournament. Concerns about potential ICE presence at stadiums have sparked fears among immigrant workers. The first game in Los Angeles is scheduled for June 12, with eight matches to be hosted in the city.
- Labor union representatives and immigrant rights advocates gathered outside FIFA's LA offices
- Stadium workers required to provide sensitive personal information under FIFA's credentialing system
- Concerns about potential ICE presence at World Cup stadiums during the tournament
- First game in Los Angeles scheduled for June 12, with eight matches to be hosted in the city
Stadium workers are required, under FIFA's credentialing system, to provide Social Security numbers, home addresses, nationality, and country of birth. UNITE HERE Local 11 union alleges that California privacy rights could be violated if FIFA shares this information with federal agencies. Edgar Ortiz, with the California Immigrant Policy Center, emphasized the importance of protecting workers' identities and not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement agencies.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency confirmed it will participate in World Cup security. Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard told CBS News Texas that while HSI has the authority to enforce immigration law, targeted removal operations will not be the agency's priority during the tournament. The first 2026 FIFA World Cup game at SoFi Stadium is scheduled for June 12 at 6 p.m., with Los Angeles hosting eight tournament matches.
Pickard noted that HSI agents have historically provided behind-the-scenes security at major sporting events such as Super Bowls and the Olympics. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to follow a similar pattern. CBS News Los Angeles reached out to FIFA for comment but has not received a response yet.
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