As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns over recent immigration enforcement measures that could impact the safety of noncitizens attending the event. This follows an incident where an asylum seeker was arrested and deported during the Club World Cup final in New Jersey, reportedly violating the rights of asylum seekers and illustrating potential consequences of current U.S. immigration policies. HRW pointed out that while the arrest stemmed from an alleged violation of a Federal Aviation Administration directive—normally punishable by a fine—the involvement of immigration authorities led to his detention and impending deportation.
Dire apprehensions have been expressed regarding the consequences of such enforcement at large sporting events. Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at HRW, highlights the potential for policies to disrupt families and endanger individuals fleeing persecution. She emphasized the need for appropriate measures to ensure that large-scale events like the World Cup do not become arenas for immigration crackdowns.
HRW has called on U.S. authorities to reconsider their approach, particularly in jurisdictions without 287(g) agreements—arrangements allowing local law enforcement to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Such jurisdictions ordinarily should not involve themselves in immigration status inquiries. FIFA, tasked with organizing the World Cup, has been urged to address these concerns and uphold the safety of all attendees.
The context for these concerns includes broader critiques of U.S. immigration enforcement, previously intensified during the Trump administration. Incidents of raids, mass detentions, and conditions within detention centers have drawn significant backlash. According to a federal judge’s recent directive, DHS is prohibited from conducting certain warrantless arrests, reflecting judicial pushback against aggressive immigration tactics. Similarly, authorities are under pressure to improve standards in detention facilities, prompted by court orders demanding compliance with basic hygiene and safety requirements.
HRW’s concerns echo a broader dialogue on immigration practices, particularly in anticipation of globally significant events like the FIFA World Cup that attract a diverse, international audience. Ensuring that such gatherings remain secure and welcoming for all participants, regardless of immigration status, is positioned as a vital task. For more on this development, including HRW’s detailed criticisms, see JURIST – News.