As the World Cup approaches, workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike, citing concerns over the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the tournament. The stadium is scheduled to host eight matches, including games featuring the United States Men’s National Soccer Team.
Union Concerns
The UNITE HERE Local 11 union has been in negotiations with Legends Global, which manages hospitality at the stadium. A key issue is the role of federal authorities, including ICE, at the matches. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that while federal authorities will assist with security, they will not engage in civil immigration enforcement. However, the union remains concerned about the potential for ICE involvement.
Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11, expressed the workers’ fears, stating, “What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don’t earn enough to pay the rent and must choose between showing up and being kidnapped by ICE?” The union emphasizes that workers should not have to choose between their job and their freedom.
Negotiations and Demands
Negotiations are set to continue, with the union demanding pay that reflects the cost of living in Los Angeles, premium pay for World Cup events, and contributions to a housing fund for hospitality workers. Legends Global has expressed a commitment to reaching an agreement and providing an outstanding hospitality experience for fans.
The union has also filed a complaint with the California attorney general, highlighting the risk of workers being targeted by ICE due to FIFA’s accreditation process. ICE acting director Todd Lyons confirmed that the agency would play a significant role in ensuring security during the tournament.
Community Concerns
Community groups in other host cities, such as Atlanta and Miami, have also called for a halt to immigration enforcement during the matches, fearing that arrests near stadiums could dampen the festivities. The situation at SoFi Stadium highlights broader concerns about the intersection of immigration enforcement and major public events.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
