The mass deportation policy of President Donald Trump has impacted football in the United States, forcing events to events of Latin followers in several cities for fear among the immigrant community and when a year is missing for the celebration of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
In addition, fans have pointed out that “it does not seem wise to celebrate, encourage and celebrate while so many families within our community are being separated and destroyed.”
The migratory operations that are carried out every day in various locations in the country have not only caused anxiety among Major League Soccer (MLS) fans, the United States Soccer League, but also among fans of national teams such as the Mexican, who has played in Los Angeles – the epicenter of the protests against the raids – in the opening match of the Gold Cup 2025.
Unlike other years, the ‘Tri’ of Mexico did not have the traditional reception of its followers upon arrival in a city that in these days was militarized and Saturday’s party against the Dominican Republic (ended 3-2 in favor of Mexicans) in the Sofi Stadium ran the risk of being suspended by the tension climate that is lived after several days of demonstrations.
The Concacaf, which organizes the Selections Tournament, said last Wednesday that it is attentive to the development of events and stressed that “the security and well -being of all participants, fans and interested parties is the highest priority.”
“We will continue to actively monitor the evolution of events while we work to offer a world class tournament that highlights the best of our sport in a safe, inclusive and pleasant environment for all,” said the football confederation.
He added that “it maintains close and continuous communication with local authorities, the national headquarters and selections regarding the evolution of the situation in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.”
In a decision that has been considered controversial and illegal, President Trump ordered the deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard soldiers and about 700 Marines after protests against the raids that began last Friday night in Los Angeles.
In addition to the Gold Cup, the United States is the host of the FIFA Club World Cup, which is played in several American cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Seattle and Pasadena, and also started this Saturday, June 14, with many doubts about the influx of fans.
The MLS impacted by the operations
In the same city of Los Angeles, the operations of the Customs Immigration and Control Service (ICE) have forced the cancellation of the activities of the Galaxy fans, the MLS team.
The Angel City Brigade announced on Wednesday on its social networks the cancellation of all its events to see the matches, which is known in English as ‘Viewing Parties’, as well as its traditional bus trip to San José for the game against Earthquakes in the Californian classic.
«We will not remain silent. This is our city, our home and our people, ”said the fans in the social network X.
In turn, the Gold Brigade SG, the Nashville SC bar, had also suspended its celebration prior to a league match against Charlotte in the Geodis Park in solidarity with the members of the Latin community that are “suffering for the justices” that are currently being committed.
«During difficult times, the family remains united. When one of us is affected, we are all, ”published the fans. “And at this time it does not seem wise to celebrate, cheer and celebrate while so many families within our community are being separated and destroyed.”
It should be noted that more than a hundred people were arrested last month in Tennessee in a joint operation between immigration authorities and the road patrol.
“At this time so difficult for our community, this injustice moves us and we sympathize with so many affected families and friends,” added the Gold Brigade.
