LA World Cup stadium workers threaten strike over ICE deployment

Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have voted to strike if federal immigration enforcement agents are deployed at the venue during FIFA World Cup matches scheduled for June and July.

UNITE HERE Local 11, a labor union representing about 2,000 hospitality employees, on Monday demanded federal guarantees that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would not be present during the tournament matches at the stadium.

The venue, which will be renamed Los Angeles Stadium for the event, is set to host eight World Cup games, including the United States’ opening match on June 12.

Employees at the world’s most expensive sports arena said the presence of ICE agents would create a climate of fear for both workers and spectators.

“ICE should have no role in these games,” said Isaac Martinez, a stadium cook, speaking at a protest outside the venue.

“We do not want to live in fear coming to work, or fear being detained going home.”

“If we do not reach an agreement, my colleagues and I are ready to strike,” Martinez added, representing a workforce composed largely of food and beverage concession staff.

ICE has led President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.

Human rights groups have condemned the agency for its conduct during raids in several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles last year.

In early 2026, ICE agents fatally shot two American protesters in Minneapolis.

Workers on Monday also raised concerns about FIFA’s accreditation process, which requires employees to submit personal data before the tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“We ask FIFA not to share our information with ICE agencies, foreign countries, or intelligence services,” worker Yolanda Fierro said.

Protesters carrying plastic balls and signs reading “Kick ICE Out of the World Cup” drew support from Tom Steyer, a Democratic candidate in California’s gubernatorial race.

ICE’s mandate is border control, the financier-turned-politician said.

“Can anyone explain what that has to do with the World Cup? Nothing,” Steyer said.

“How is it possible that this is the agency that is going to be here when we know in fact they’re an absolute threat, a lawless threat, to workers in California?”