Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of noncitizens attending the upcoming FIFA events in the United States, particularly the 2026 World Cup. The organization’s alarm follows the recent arrest and deportation of an asylum seeker during the Club World Cup final in New Jersey. This incident has ignited fears that immigration enforcement measures could jeopardize the safety and rights of attendees.
The asylum seeker was apprehended while waiting to enter the tournament final with his family. According to HRW, he and his family fled their home country in 2022 due to death threats from armed groups. Initial charges against him stemmed from an alleged violation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations concerning drone use near stadiums, a matter typically resolved with a fine. However, authorities proceeded to question him about his immigration status, leading to his transfer to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who moved to deport him.
Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at HRW, emphasized that such immigration enforcement actions at sporting events could lead to family separations and place vulnerable individuals fleeing persecution in life-threatening situations. She stated, “The U.S. must ensure that its immigration policies do not endanger those attending major events like the World Cup.”
HRW’s statement underscores a broader concern about the role of local law enforcement agencies in immigration matters. The organization noted that states and localities without agreements with ICE should refrain from inquiring about individuals’ immigration statuses. Furthermore, it urged agencies involved in such agreements to acknowledge any potential abuses and discontinue practices that infringe on human rights.
HRW also called on FIFA, as the World Cup organizer, to address the implications of U.S. immigration policies on the event’s execution. The organization insists that ensuring the safety of all eligible individuals during the tournament must be a priority.
This incident is not an isolated case. Critics have previously condemned the U.S. government’s immigration enforcement measures, particularly during the administration of former President Donald Trump. These policies have included mass detentions and aggressive enforcement tactics that some human rights advocates label as violations of human rights.
In September 2023, immigrant rights organizations, along with residents of Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging illegal arrests of immigrants. The enforcement actions have even included large-scale operations, such as a recent raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant, which resulted in the detention of over 300 Korean citizens. These individuals were later repatriated following negotiations between the U.S. and South Korean governments.
In a related judicial development, a federal judge recently barred the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from conducting warrantless immigration arrests due to the absence of a significant escape risk. Rights groups have criticized the poor living conditions in immigration detention centers, highlighting issues such as inadequate hygiene and overcrowding that violate constitutional and federal rights.
The call for reform comes at a critical time, as the world looks towards the 2026 World Cup and the implications it may have for attendees from diverse backgrounds. With the spotlight on the U.S. as the host nation, the need for responsible oversight of immigration enforcement remains paramount to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants and spectators.
