Werder Bremen Cancels Minnesota Trip Due to ICE Actions

German soccer team Werder Bremen has called off its planned trip to Minnesota, mainly due to the turmoil caused by recent actions from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as reported.

According to the BBC, the Bundesliga club had arrangements to hold exhibition matches in Minnesota and Michigan come May.

“Participating in a city where riots have occurred and individuals have been shot does not align with our values at Werder Bremen,” said Christoph Pieper, the club’s communications director. He also pointed out that “the stricter entry requirements made it unclear which players would actually be able to enter the United States.”

Pieper elaborated further, stating, “Our club stands for open, diverse, and united community values. We aim to ensure that everyone—regardless of their background, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability—feels welcome and has a solid place within our society.”

The club’s public relations officer mentioned, “It was the right decision to cancel the Minnesota trip. There were various sporting, economic, and political factors at play.”

Recently, President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced plans to reduce the federal presence in Minneapolis as part of Operation Metro Surge.

Minneapolis has seen many protests against ICE, particularly in response to the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agents and Alex Preti by U.S. Border Patrol.

Meanwhile, Werder Bremen is currently battling to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga, sitting in 16th place, just one point away from safety. It’s going to be tight, for sure.