MIAMI — A broad coalition of civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups has issued a travel alert warning international visitors ahead of upcoming World Cup matches in South Florida, citing concerns about immigration enforcement and civil liberties.
With just months to go before World Cup play begins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, advocates gathered in front of FIFA’s offices in Coral Gables to caution tourists, international travelers and even U.S. citizens about what they describe as increased scrutiny tied to immigration policies.
“We’re hearing the concerns from many people,” said Yareliz Mendez-Zamora of the American Friends Service Committee Florida.
The coalition is urging visitors to weigh whether attending the seven World Cup games scheduled in South Florida “is safe enough for them to come.”
Advocates warned that travelers could face heightened enforcement amid what they described as an aggressive state and federal immigration crackdown.
“We’re just warning people of the risks, not just traveling to the United States but to Florida, under an environment where every, not just law enforcement agency but state agency has been deputized to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement,” said Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
The groups said those policies have created a climate of fear, particularly for immigrant communities.
“Because of these programs a simple traffic stop here in Miami is no longer just a routine interaction, for too many people a simple interaction by police now comes with the fear of deportation,” said Dariel Gomez of the ACLU of Florida.
The coalition is now calling on FIFA to ensure immigration authorities will not be present at World Cup matches, saying fans should be able to attend games without fear.
“What we don’t want is our fans being harassed by immigration enforcement when they’re just trying to attend the game,” Kennedy said.
FIFA declined to provide a statement but shared background information to Local 10 News.
- FIFA has consistently said the safety and security of fans and participants is a top priority.
- A White House task force was created more than a year ago, working with state, local and stadium officials, to deliver a comprehensive security plan.
- FIFA officials emphasized the goal of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- The Club World Cup matches held last summer at Hard Rock Stadium went smoothly, which FIFA considers an indication of how World Cup operations are expected to proceed.
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