North American organization report indicates that the (Immigration and Customs Service) has used football games held in the United States to “hunt” immigrants by order of the president (Republican). Read the (PDF – 19 MB).
According to the document, 17 people linked to football events in the USA – players, coaches and parents of athletes – have been detained or deported since 2025, when ICE began its actions across the country. The report says that football games, as they are most played among Latin American communities, have become a target for the immigration service.
“Football in the United States is deeply rooted in immigrant communities. For generations, it has served as a space of belonging and cultural expression. However, (…) enforcement actions have extended to core football spaces, including schools, parks, community centers and sports facilities”says the document.
The organization asks that the prohibit enforcement of the Trump administration’s anti-immigration policy “at all World Cup venues and their surroundings”.
ICE agents are not prohibited from making arrests during World Cup games, and there is no guidance to avoid immigration arrests at stadiums.
According to the report, from January 20, 2025, when Trump was inaugurated as president, until October 15, 2025, ICE arrested 92,392 people in the US host cities. in the USA, a number considered above average. The country will host 78 of the 104 games in this edition of the World Cup.
