Overview
- Unite Here Local 11, which represents about 2,000 food-service workers at SoFi Stadium, demanded that FIFA and stadium owner Kroenke Sports & Entertainment keep ICE and Border Patrol out of World Cup operations and warned of a strike if the demand is ignored.
- The union said its members at the Inglewood venue still lack a labor contract as the tournament nears, raising concerns about working conditions and safety during matches.
- Acting DHS official Todd Lyons has said ICE will play a key part in World Cup security, a plan the union argues could frighten immigrant workers and fans and disrupt the workplace.
- Beyond immigration enforcement, the union is seeking job protections, assurances that AI or other automation will not replace roles during the event, and support for affordable housing through a workforce housing fund and limits on short-term rentals.
- FIFA has not commented and SoFi representatives declined to comment, leaving a standoff that could affect eight matches starting June 12, while some House Democrats have proposed bills to restrict civil immigration enforcement near venues.