CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Civil rights groups are sounding the alarm about what they fear could be an immigration crackdown when international visitors come to watch the FIFA World Cup in South Florida in June.
They held a news conference Monday outside of FIFA’s host committee headquarters in Coral Gables.
Activists called for a moratorium on immigration enforcement during the games and related events.
“We think it’s a very rational ask,” Thomas Kennedy, with the Florida Immigrant Coalition, said.
The news conference doubled as a travel advisory and warning for visitors coming to Miami for the games. The local advocates say some people may not be safe and could be illegally detained for simply being here trying to enjoy the games or working the event.
Advocates say they’re not calling for panic ― but preparation. They say once the crowds and the cameras arrive for the games, it may be too late for a warning.
Yareliz Mendez, with the American Friends Service Committee, advised attendees to know their rights.
“Like, for example, the right to remain silent, the right to speak to an attorney, the right to talk with your consulate,” Mendez said. “Those are some of the things that we’re encouraging people to go ahead and do. Connect with your consulate before you come.”
Local 10 went to the FIFA offices seeking comment. Nobody answered when we knocked at the door. A phone call to World Cup organizers also wasn’t returned.
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