Over 90 Groups Urge FIFA to Bar ICE at Cup

Over 90 civil society organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the ACLU, and the NAACP, have formally urged FIFA to protect fans and immigrant communities from U.S. immigration enforcement during the 2026 World Cup. In a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the groups warned that the presence of ICE and CBP could deter international visitors and endanger both foreign and local attendees. Activists in Miami and other host cities have held rallies and called for FIFA to publicly oppose ICE presence, prevent immigration enforcement at matches, and discourage local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Recent incidents, such as a deleted Department of Homeland Security post about ICE security and an immigration check at a promotional event, have increased concerns. The coalition cautioned that FIFA's lack of response could allow its brand to legitimize controversial enforcement actions. FIFA has not yet issued a substantive response to these demands.