Workers at the stadium set to host several 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Los Angeles are threatening to go on strike if immigration enforcement officers are allowed to operate at the venue during the tournament.
The workers, represented by the union UNITE HERE Local 11, say they fear the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would create anxiety and fear among employees and football fans attending the games.
The stadium, widely known as SoFi Stadium, will temporarily be called Los Angeles Stadium during the World Cup. It is expected to host eight matches, including the opening game for the United States national team in June.
Union leaders say many stadium employees come from immigrant families and worry that increased immigration enforcement during the tournament could affect both workers and visitors.
At a recent protest outside the venue, workers carried signs and demanded guarantees that ICE agents would not be involved in operations connected to the World Cup.
One stadium employee said workers should be able to do their jobs without fear of detention or questioning. Several employees also warned they are prepared to stop working if no agreement is reached before the tournament begins.
The dispute comes at a sensitive time as the United States prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
The union represents nearly 2,000 hospitality workers at the Los Angeles venue, including cooks, bartenders and food service staff. According to union officials, workers are also demanding better labor protections and clearer privacy safeguards linked to FIFA’s accreditation system.
Human rights organizations have also raised concerns about immigration enforcement around major sporting events. Some advocacy groups fear international fans and immigrant communities could feel unsafe attending matches if federal agents are highly visible during the tournament.
The debate has added another layer of tension to preparations for football’s biggest tournament. Los Angeles is expected to attract huge crowds and generate major economic activity during the World Cup, but labor groups say worker safety and trust must come first.
So far, FIFA has not publicly announced whether any restrictions will be placed on immigration enforcement activities at stadium sites during the tournament.
