Mexico National Soccer Team Switches LA Hotels Amid Security Concerns, Protests

The Mexican national soccer team has changed their hotel accommodations in Los Angeles ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup due to safety concerns amid ongoing protests against immigration raids in the city. Originally scheduled to stay downtown, the team will now be housed in Long Beach to avoid unrest, as permitted by Concacaf, the governing body for soccer in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The protests, which began after federal immigration arrests, have included freeway blockades and clashes with police, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy additional National Guard troops and Marines to the area. Mexico, the reigning Gold Cup champions, will open their tournament against the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and continue with matches against Suriname and Costa Rica. Coach Javier Aguirre declined to comment on the protests, emphasizing the team's focus on sports. This tournament serves as Mexico's last competitive event before the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.