Immigration Advocates Focus on World Cup to Challenge ICE Actions
As the World Cup soccer games draw near to the United States, immigration advocates are seizing the opportunity to shift blame towards illegal immigrants and their employers regarding ICE’s enforcement measures.
This has been prominently showcased by union workers at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, who are calling for ICE to refrain from targeting illegal immigrants among fans, staff, or business owners.
Yolanda Fierro, a member of the United Here union, emphasized, “The administration thinks there are only criminals here who come to work, visit, or attend games, but that’s simply not true.” She insists that these individuals are hardworking people who prioritize their families. “We want to feel secure and capable of caring for ourselves, and more importantly, we want our guests to feel safe,” she stated.
Many activists involved in this campaign are compensated for organizing events aimed at portraying immigrants in a positive and sympathetic light. A significant portion of their funding comes from progressive organizations that advocate for increased diversity in American communities. Additionally, corporations backing these efforts seek to benefit from a larger pool of consumers, renters, and workers to enhance their profits.
Despite the vocal opposition from activists, ICE agents continue to apprehend illegal immigrants, including those who have committed crimes.
Some pro-immigration organizations view the World Cup as a way to challenge American citizens who believe that immigration laws require enforcement. Tanya Green, the U.S. program director at Human Rights Watch, remarked, “The experiences of players, staff, and fans visiting the U.S. for the World Cup mirror the challenges millions face under this system.” She suggested that it seems as though the administration wishes to keep the world away from the World Cup.
Activists are also utilizing various media channels to promote their anti-enforcement views. New Hampshire immigration advocate Kim Hardman Shapiro shared, “We’ve received attention from media around the globe.” She added the need to use this platform to discuss less comfortable aspects of the current summer situation, like the conditions faced by detainees and fears in immigrant communities.
Most activists depict undocumented immigrants as enthusiastic soccer fans who are victims of ICE’s aggressive actions. Renata Bozzetto, deputy director of the Florida Immigration Coalition, noted that some immigrants are excited about attending games but live in fear. “They’re afraid to visit Fan Fest, drive to the stadium, or go to local hangouts to connect with others,” she explained.
Yaleris Méndez-Zamora, a Florida activist, expressed her worries about family separations stemming from ICE actions. “There haven’t been any assurances regarding policies to keep our families safe,” she said, underscoring the anxiety many feel about ICE’s presence in large apartment complexes.
While it’s acknowledged that illegal immigrants contribute significantly to the economy, the reality is they can also drive down wages and increase rental costs, affecting American workers.
Many media outlets have amplified the activists’ calls for an end to ICE interventions. A report highlighted the sentiments of a Haitian truck driver, who expressed the frustration of wanting to participate in the World Cup while fearing arrest by ICE.
“Emile’s concerns reflect the fears shared by many in the immigrant community who have witnessed ICE’s often brutal operations in various U.S. cities,” the report noted, illustrating the delicate balance between celebratory events and ongoing immigration issues.
