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Amid growing concerns regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at high-profile sporting events, activists made their voices heard in front of the FIFA offices in Coral Gables. Drawing attention to the upcoming World Cup scheduled in Miami, they demanded that FIFA live up to its human rights commitments by ensuring ICE agents stay away from the stadiums. According to WSVN, Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an activist, stressed, “FIFA committed to a human rights framework and that city’s must create a human rights plan, a human rights plan that does not include protections for immigrants is incomplete.”
A clutch of protesters, relaying their message with placards and chants, made it clear that the presence of federal agents at the gaming venues might dissuade many from attending the tournament. As per an interview with the Local 10 News, Jason Walker of the Family Action Network Movement asserted, "It can be done," referring to the exclusion of ICE agents from private events, adding that "unless there's a specific warrant," such enforcement should not occur.
FIFA, which is known as a powerful entity in the sports world, has been put on the spot to use its influence to safeguard the rights of those seeking to enjoy the World Cup without fear of immigration enforcement. With Miami expected to host seven games, the impact on the city's international community and tourism is a significant concern. The calls for FIFA to take action are underscored by the artists and celebrities themselves, with global superstar Bad Bunny citing worries about ICE's presence for excluding the mainland U.S. from his world tour.
However, the Department of Homeland Security has made it clear that federal agents will be part of the security measures for both the upcoming Super Bowl and the World Cup. In response to the activists, DHS told Local 10 News, “International visitors who legally come to the U.S. for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the U.S.— full stop.”
The protests reflect a broader anxiety about the role and reach of ICE in places where global communities intersect. Immigration activists like Thomas Kennedy argue that the chilling effect of ICE's presence could redirect potential attendees to choose venues in other countries, as he disclosed to Local 10 News, "I think a lot of people won't (show up)," and that "That might give pause to some people to say, 'Maybe I'll just go watch the game in Canada and Mexico and I'm going to avoid the games in the United States right now.'"
