ICE Targets Amateur Soccer Matches in US During Controversial Club World Cup Crackdown

ICE Raids Target Amateur Soccer Matches Amid Club World Cup
By Mike Keegan

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have conducted raids at amateur soccer matches in parks and fields across the country, sparking controversy during the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. The crackdown, linked to President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration policies, has drawn criticism for targeting communities with large immigrant populations.

ICE agents block access to a soccer field during a raid in Orlando.

Raids During Matches
Witnesses report ICE officers interrupting games to check documentation. One player in Orlando described a Sunday league match where a van blocked the field’s entrance: “Officers stopped the game for an hour, checking everyone’s papers. They’re clearly targeting football, which is alarming when the U.S. is hosting global tournaments.”

The timing raises concerns as the U.S. prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Critics argue the raids undermine efforts to promote soccer as an inclusive sport.

Political Backdrop
The operations follow Trump’s return to office and a broader immigration crackdown, which has triggered nationwide protests. While ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) claim their presence at Club World Cup venues is “standard protocol,” they avoided clarifying whether attendees’ documents were checked.

President Trump’s policies have intensified immigration enforcement.

Incidents and Reactions
In Miami, Coast Guard and CBP agents recently boarded a catamaran during a World Cup promotional event hosted by Telemundo. Attendees, including local officials and FIFA VIPs, were asked to prove their legal status.

FIFA and U.S. soccer organizations have remained silent on the raids, fueling frustration among immigrant communities. Advocates warn such actions could deter participation in soccer and harm the sport’s growth in the U.S.

The Club World Cup’s U.S. hosting has been overshadowed by the raids.

Looking Ahead
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the raids highlight tensions between immigration policies and soccer’s role as a unifying force. As one player noted, “This isn’t the message you send when inviting the world to your doorstep.”

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