SoFi Stadium workers threaten World Cup strike over ICE presence
Workers at SoFi Stadium are threatening to strike before the World Cup begins. The dispute centres on the presence of federal immigration agents at the venue. Staff, including long-term employees like cook Isaac Martinez, say they now fear going to work because of ICE activity during the tournament. Unite Here Local 11, the union representing stadium workers, has filed an unfair labour practice complaint. It accuses Legends Hospitality, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, and FIFA of failing to restrict ICE officials from entering the venue. According to the union, this has created an unsafe environment for employees.
The union, alongside over 100 human rights organisations, has called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a moratorium on ICE raids at World Cup locations. They want Infantino to formally ask President Trump to halt enforcement actions during the tournament. So far, FIFA has not responded to the demand, and a spokesperson declined to comment on the complaint. Legends Hospitality has also not replied to requests for a statement. Amnesty International has added its voice to the concerns. The organisation issued a travel advisory for World Cup visitors, warning of aggressive immigration enforcement in the US. It also criticised the lack of guarantees from FIFA, host cities, or the US government to protect human rights during the event.
The union remains ready to strike if ICE agents are not barred from SoFi Stadium. Workers like Martinez, who has cooked at the venue for four years, say they will not back down. With no resolution in sight, the threat of industrial action looms over the World Cup preparations.
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