LOS ANGELES – Some Los Angeles residents are worried that immigration enforcement will ruin a traditional celebratory World Cup experience this summer.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  has raided homes in the greater Los Angeles area since the Trump Administration took office, creating fear among the public for its inhuman attacks on citizens, racial profiling and misrepresentation of the law.

The World Cup  kicks off in Inglewood, Calif., with SoFI Stadium hosting the U.S. Men's National Team's opening match against Paraguay on June 12 and 25. The city will host 39 days of continuous events highlighting the event. 

Many observers fear that ICE presence during the tournament will disrupt a usually jovial experience among residents, particularly the immigrant community that enjoys the tournament  and would normally attend matches. Many are threatening to stay away from the stadium and city festivities. 

Union Local 11, a union representing over 2,000 SoFi Stadium employees, is advocating against ICE presence at or around the stadium during the World Cup. 

This week, the organization is holding a two-day strike vote, where it is also asking for higher wages, limitations on subcontractors, as well as removing the use of artificial intelligence that can take over human jobs. Members will decide on June 4 and 5.

Kurt Petersen, the co-president of the union said in a statement released on Tuesday: “If a strike is approved during the two-day vote the 70,000 expected fans arriving for the June 12 World Cup opener between the U.S. and Paraguay will be greeted by hundreds of picketing workers.”

Markwayne Mullin, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), posted a video recently on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement X account where he said, “ICE and HSI will be out there every day." 

He added, “Fighting against counterfeit tickets, human trafficking, drug smuggling, counterfeit products. They're going to be working hand-in-hand along with CBP along the way."

Los Angeles mayor Gavin Newsom’s office has released statements projecting an economic boom as a result of the World Cup.  

“Los Angeles is projected to generate approximately $594 million in economic impact and welcome 180,000 visitors,” he said. 

The tournament will take place in 11 cities in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada throughout the summer. 

While ICE claims its main focus is enforcement of the law, community observers say they don’t trust that message.

Jacqueline Talavera, a Los Angeles resident, said, “The World Cup used to be a celebration in L.A., especially for the hispanic/latinx community.”

That feeling, she said, has dissipated. 

“Growing up in South Central as a daughter of immigrants, it almost felt like a big block party when it would come around–no matter who you are, where you come from, or what team you cheered for,” Talavera said. “ It was always the norm in my family to invite folks to eat good food, wear a jersey that represents your hometown, and enjoy the game live as a community.”

Talavera shared that the presence of ICE in the Los Angeles area during this time is harmful because there are no protections in place.

“Soccer is one of those sports where representation really comes in for those immigrant families and communities around the world,” she said. “The World Cup now coming to LA is not going to be the same–it is being used as a way to kidnap, bring fear and abuse the hardworking people of this city with ICE agents' presence with little to no protection to the people who have lived and loved this city.”

Ariyana Griffin is a reporter based in Los Angeles who graduated from the School of Global Journalism and Communication