Workers at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium today demanded FIFA exclude ICE from the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, threatening a strike over labor conditions and the agency’s potential role.

A union representing approximately two thousand food service workers at SoFi Stadium has issued a forceful demand to FIFA on April 7: keep the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of World Cup operations in Los Angeles.

The organization further warned it could initiate a strike if its demands are not met, amidst escalating labor tensions just weeks before the tournament’s commencement.

Unite Here Local 11, which encompasses cooks, bartenders, and service personnel at the venue, stated that its workers continue to operate without a current labor contract. The Union insists on explicit guarantees that neither ICE nor Border Patrol will participate in the organization or execution of the global sporting event. This stance is rooted in a broader push for robust job protection, improved working conditions, and tangible support for affordable housing programs for employees within the hospitality sector.

The Union’s apprehensions intensified following a declaration from Todd Lyons, the acting director of the Department of Homeland Security, who asserted that the immigration agency would play a “key role” during the World Cup.

In this sense, Unite Here Local 11 argues that such a prospect could instill significant fear among migrant workers and international visitors alike, potentially disrupting the normal operations and inclusive atmosphere of the football event. The union emphasizes that the presence of immigration enforcement could deter essential staff and create an unwelcoming environment, thereby undermining the spirit of international celebration the World Cup aims to foster.

In addition to its demands to FIFA, the union has directed its concerns to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, the owner of SoFi Stadium. Unite Here Local 11 seeks a public commitment from the company to exclude immigration authorities from the tournament and to guarantee job stability for all workers.

Furthermore, the union specifically requested that no artificial intelligence systems or automation be utilized during the competition if they are intended to replace existing unionized jobs. This demand highlights a critical concern regarding technological displacement and the preservation of human labor in a rapidly evolving economic landscape, ensuring that the benefits of major events are shared equitably with the local workforce.

The Union has also inextricably linked its labor demands to the acute rise in housing costs across the Los Angeles area, particularly in Inglewood, the city where SoFi Stadium is situated.

Union representatives contend that while the World Cup is projected to generate billions of dollars for organizers and sponsors, local workers are confronting increasing job precarity and immense pressure from soaring real estate prices. This disparity underscores a core tenet of the union’s argument: major international events should not exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities but rather contribute positively to the welfare of local communities and their workers.

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Los Angeles is slated to host eight World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium, including a significant encounter between the United States and Paraguay scheduled for June twelve. FIFA has not yet issued an immediate response to the union’s request for comment, indicating a potential stalemate in negotiations.

Similarly, representatives for SoFi Stadium have refrained from commenting on the possibility of a strike, an action that could significantly impact the logistical framework and smooth execution of the much-anticipated international tournament. The silence from both FIFA and stadium management accentuates the gravity of the union’s demands and the looming threat to the World Cup’s operational integrity in Los Angeles.

This episode illustrates the ongoing struggle of organized labor against powerful international entities, advocating for fair treatment, dignity, and the protection of basic human rights, especially for migrant workers who often form the backbone of service industries.

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