Kristina Roberts
The excitement for the upcoming Club World Cup and Gold Cup soccer tournaments has been dampened by growing fears among fans over the possible presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at the matches. Many supporters, especially those from immigrant communities, are worried about being targeted or questioned, leading some to cancel their plans to attend the games.
Rafael, a passionate soccer fan originally from Mexico and now living in Southern California, had been looking forward to watching Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) take on Atlético Madrid at the Rose Bowl. However, after hearing reports that ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would be present at the matches, he decided to sell his tickets. “I really, really didn’t want to let it go,” Rafael said. But he did, “out of fear of apprehension or persecution.”
Like Rafael, many other fans have been hesitant to attend the games due to concerns over immigration enforcement. Supporters of the Brazilian club Flamengo, for example, had already canceled watch parties and travel plans long before the recent reports. The situation escalated when ICE conducted workplace raids in Los Angeles, leading to protests. Around the same time, CBP posted on social media that its officers would be providing security for the Club World Cup matches. ICE later confirmed its involvement, advising non-citizens to carry proof of legal status.
For many fans, this announcement was alarming. Some worry that the presence of immigration officers could lead to unnecessary questioning or even arrests, regardless of a person’s legal status. “It creates an environment where people are less likely to come watch the games because of just sheer intimidation,” said Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
After public backlash, CBP deleted its social media post, and both agencies clarified that their presence at major sporting events is not unusual. However, their roles are usually minor and not widely publicized. Under the current political climate, many people distrust these agencies and fear their true intentions. “How can we trust it’s really for security?” Rafael asked. “It just really feels like they’re setting up a trap.”
Neither ICE nor CBP has specified exactly what their role will be at the Club World Cup or the Gold Cup, a tournament featuring national teams from North and Central America. The Gold Cup kicks off with Mexico facing the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles. A source familiar with SoFi’s operations mentioned that the stadium was following normal security procedures and that ICE was not part of them. However, officials at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and the Rose Bowl, which will host Club World Cup matches, have not commented on whether ICE will be involved.
Security experts suggest that federal agencies like CBP and ICE are not typically the main security providers at such events. However, given the ongoing protests across the country, local police departments might need extra support. Cliff Stott, a policing expert who has worked with U.S. authorities, explained that calling in federal agencies could be risky, especially when dealing with crowds that include immigrant communities who already feel targeted.
Rafael, who holds a green card and is legally in the U.S., still fears racial bias if he were to encounter immigration officers. “With everything that’s going on, you wouldn’t be fully trusting of a federal agent at this time,” he said.
FIFA, the organization behind the Club World Cup, has tried to ease concerns. When asked about the possibility of ICE agents checking immigration status at matches, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he didn’t “have any concerns about anything, in the sense that we are very attentive on any security question.” Meanwhile, CONCACAF, which organizes the Gold Cup, has not directly addressed fans’ fears but stated that it remains in close contact with local authorities and venues regarding security.
The tournaments are also facing potential disruptions from nationwide protests. Demonstrations began in Los Angeles last week after ICE raids, and despite appeals from local leaders, the federal government sent National Guard troops to control the situation. The protests have since spread to other cities and are expected to merge with other anti-government demonstrations planned for the weekend.
The growing unrest and strict immigration policies are creating an uneasy atmosphere around what were supposed to be celebrations of soccer. FIFA had promoted the Club World Cup and the upcoming 2026 World Cup as inclusive events, welcoming fans from all backgrounds. But for many, like Rafael, the fear of discrimination has overshadowed the joy of the game.
“I never thought I’d have to worry,” Rafael said, “about being racially discriminated against at a soccer game.” His disappointment reflects the concerns of many fans who now feel that the sport they love has become another place where they must watch their backs.
As the tournaments begin, the hope is that the focus will remain on soccer—the thrilling matches, the passionate fans, and the unifying power of the game. But with immigration enforcement looming in the background, not everyone feels safe enough to enjoy the experience. The beautiful game, for now, carries an undercurrent of fear for some of its most devoted supporters.
