A coalition of immigration and civil rights organizations recently advised international travelers to think twice about attending FIFA World Cup games in Florida. Their concerns stem from recent government actions aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration and the state’s detention practices, which they likened to “Alligator Alcatraz.”
The advisory suggests that international fans should carry identification and register their travel plans at a consulate prior to their arrival in the U.S. for the tournament starting in June.
“News reports and ongoing civil rights litigation show that people—including tourists, legal residents, and U.S. citizens—are increasingly facing detention and deportation during encounters with immigration enforcement,” the advisory warned, pointing to Florida’s enforcement tactics and the state’s partnership with federal authorities under Governor Ron DeSantis.
The organizations highlighted specific incidents where tourists and citizens reportedly faced detention.
At a press conference near FIFA’s offices in Miami, the groups clarified they aren’t calling for a boycott of the games but might consider it as fans prepare to visit. Yarelis Méndez Zamora from the American Friends Service Committee emphasized the need for caution among potential visitors.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has also advised against travel to the U.S. for the matches, referring to previous immigration policies enacted during the Trump administration.
The coalition emphasized that travelers could face heightened enforcement due to what they describe as an aggressive immigration strategy. Thomas Kennedy from the Florida Immigration Coalition stated their goal is to inform fans of potential risks, underscoring that governmental pressure could lead to intrusive immigration checks.
“What we really want to avoid is any harassment of fans by immigration enforcement while they’re just trying to enjoy a game,” Kennedy reiterated, expressing a desire for assurances that there won’t be widespread immigration actions during these events.
Dariel Gomez from the ACLU of Florida mentioned the importance of not instilling fear but rather offering a “sober reality check” about the risks of racial profiling or detainment, noting that even routine police interactions could invoke fears of deportation.
The group expressed additional worries regarding a recent shooting incident involving federal immigration agents and highlighted a new federal travel ban affecting various groups. Though some exceptions were made for players and coaches, others, like Haiti and Iran, remain excluded, impacting foreign spectators and media who might wish to attend the games.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously welcomed fans globally, emphasizing the significance of their attendance. Meanwhile, the White House formed a FIFA task force, which included state officials, amid considerations of potential immigration raids in connection with the upcoming soccer events scheduled for South Florida.
