Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced Monday that federal officials have confirmed no civil immigration enforcement will occur at World Cup matches or events in Los Angeles. The statement came after the union representing workers at SoFi Stadium — which will host eight World Cup matches — protested the deployment of ICE personnel.
According to Luna, federal agents will be present to ensure security at all venues during the tournament, but civil immigration enforcement will not take place at the games. “A few weeks ago there were reports or rumors about the possibility of ICE showing up. I directly called the head of the Department of Homeland Security in the Los Angeles area. He said there would be federal agents… but regarding civil immigration enforcement, they specifically stated that will not happen at any match,” Luna said. However, the sheriff acknowledged: “Everything can change, but I believe they gave me accurate information, because if that starts happening, we will face a whole new set of problems.”
SoFi Stadium — which will be renamed Los Angeles Stadium for the World Cup — is the site of the U.S. national team’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12. Last month, workers at the venue threatened to strike over ICE deployment, arguing that any presence of the agency creates an atmosphere of fear for both employees and spectators. Isaac Martinez, a chef at the stadium, said at a protest: “ICE has no role in these games. We don’t want to live in fear when we go to work or get detained on our way home.”
Tensions around Iran’s matches
Los Angeles Stadium will also be under heightened scrutiny as it hosts two of Iran’s three group-stage matches, amid escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel and Iran. Sheriff Luna said law enforcement will increase staffing during Iran’s games, monitoring protests and activities around the stadium and the fan zone. Iran plays its first match on June 15 in Los Angeles — a region with one of the largest Iranian diaspora communities. “Iran brings a different element because of current world events. So there will be additional personnel for some of those matches,” Luna said.
Drone restrictions and security measures
Officials warned that drone use around World Cup venues will be tightly restricted, with temporary no-fly zones expected at all facilities. Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, stated: “If a drone violates the restriction, capability exists to bring it down safely, away from crowds. We will continuously monitor the area around venues and have zero tolerance for anyone who intentionally violates.”
These measures are part of a comprehensive security plan that will feature an unprecedented law enforcement presence in the region. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned: “From June 11 to July 19, if you are a criminal, this is a terrible time to commit a crime. My office will prosecute and you will face punishment.”
