SouthernWorldwide.com – Officials have clarified the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the upcoming World Cup in Los Angeles, assuring that civil immigration enforcement will not occur at any of the games.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced this week that while ICE personnel will be present in the city, their focus will not be on detaining foreign travelers during the tournament.
This clarification comes after concerns were raised by SoFi Stadium union workers, who had filed a complaint with the California Attorney General. They feared that FIFA’s accreditation process could put them at risk of being targeted by ICE.
However, Luna stated that he received assurances from the head of Homeland Security for the Los Angeles region that immigration enforcement would not be conducted at the matches.
He acknowledged that federal agents will be present to ensure the overall security of the venues and related events, emphasizing that it will require a collaborative effort.
Luna reiterated that regarding civil immigration enforcement, he was explicitly told it would not take place at any games. He added that while such plans are subject to change, he trusts the information provided.
The sheriff warned that if civil immigration enforcement were to begin occurring, it would introduce a new set of challenges.
ICE acting director Todd Lyons had previously stated that the agency would play a crucial role in ensuring security throughout the tournament, a point that Luna confirmed.
Luna also revealed that additional staffing would be deployed for Iran’s two matches scheduled to be held at SoFi Stadium, citing the ongoing global events as a factor.
“Iran does bring a different dynamic because of the current world events,” Luna commented.
Iran is scheduled to play two games in Los Angeles before concluding their group stage matches in Seattle. Their first match in L.A. is on June 15 against New Zealand, followed by a game against Belgium six days later.
The team will then face Egypt in Seattle on June 26 to wrap up their group play.
SoFi Stadium is slated to host eight World Cup matches in total. This includes the United States’ opening game against Paraguay on June 12, which will be broadcast on FOX at 9 p.m. ET.
