Workers at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, represented by the UNITE HERE Local 11 union, threatened to strike if US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are deployed at the venue during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The approximately 2,000 hospitality employees argued that ICE presence would create fear among workers and fans attending the tournament [1, 2, 3, 4]. Isaac Martinez, a stadium cook and union representative, said, "ICE should have no role in these games. We do not want to live in fear coming to work, or fear being detained going home. If we do not reach an agreement, my colleagues and I are ready to strike" [1].

The SoFi Stadium, renamed Los Angeles Stadium for the World Cup, will host eight matches, including the United States' opening game on June 12, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The union demands federal assurances that ICE will not operate at the stadium during the event [1, 2, 3, 4]. In addition, workers asked FIFA not to share their personal accreditation data with ICE, foreign governments, or intelligence agencies. Yolanda Fierro, a stadium worker, said, "We ask FIFA not to share our information with ICE agencies, foreign countries, or intelligence services" [1].

ICE has been highly controversial, particularly under former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Human rights groups condemned its tactics during raids in US cities including Los Angeles in 2025 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Earlier in 2026, ICE agents fatally shot two American protesters in Minneapolis, Minnesota [1, 2, 3, 4]. Protesters outside SoFi Stadium carried signs reading "Kick ICE Out of the World Cup" and won the support of Tom Steyer, a Democratic candidate for California governor. Steyer criticized ICE's presence, saying, "Can anyone explain what that has to do with the World Cup? Nothing. How is it possible that this is the agency that is going to be here when we know in fact they’re an absolute threat, a lawless threat, to workers in California?" [1]

The strike threat came into public view on May 18, 2026, as preparations continued for the tournament [2, 3, 4]. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across the US, Canada, and Mexico, with SoFi Stadium slated to host 8 matches including the US opener on June 12 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The union says it will withhold labor if federal immigration enforcement is imposed at the venue during the games.