A union’s high-stakes demand could complicate preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with millions of visitors expected to descend on Los Angeles in just a few months.
The labor group Unite Here Local 11, which represents tens of thousands of hospitality workers across Southern California, is urging hotels, stadiums and airport-area businesses not to host federal immigration agents on their properties during the global tournament, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The request, outlined in a letter sent Monday to more than 200 employers — encompassing over 32,000 workers — raises concerns about how security operations tied to the event could intersect with workplace conditions in one of the country’s largest tourism hubs.
This comes as the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told a congressional committee the agency would play “a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup” when asked whether operations would be paused for the tournament.
Todd Lyons made the remarks while testifying before the House Homeland Security Committee, where he and other senior officials faced questions following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis during President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown
The union argues that the presence of agents from ICE or other federal agencies could create what it describes as unsafe or volatile environments for workers and guests, according to the Los Angeles based paper.
“We know ICE isn’t just here to enforce the law, they are agitators, they are being violent, they are killing community members,” Ana Mendez, 43, told the Times. “Anything can happen.”
She has has worked as a banquet server at the J.W. Marriott for 15 years and said the situation in Minnesota scares her.
“The whole industry needs to understand that we cannot put our lives at risk. Money is important, our jobs are important, but our life and our safety is more important. We need to make sure that we come back to our families,” she added.
Immigrants make up 32.7% of California’s labor force and support the state’s economy in many ways, according to the American Immigration Council. Of California’s 10.6 million immigrants, 2.28 million are undocumented — representing one in five immigrants and 8% of all workers in California, a UCLA study found.
Unite Here Local 11 maintains that its labor agreements guarantee a safe workplace and says the presence of immigration agents could qualify as “unusually dangerous conditions.”
Under those contracts, workers may have the right to refuse to work or leave a job site without facing discipline if such conditions arise.
“We want to be clear,” the letter said. “If ICE or similar enforcement agents are present at or near your property, workers must be allowed to leave or refuse to report to work without reprisal.”
The union also emphasized that its contracts prohibit employers from allowing immigration agents onto private property without a warrant.
The issue is not entirely new in Los Angeles.
During 2023 strike-era hotel contract negotiations, Unite Here Local 11 secured clauses barring employers from using the federal E-Verify system to screen out undocumented workers.
Industry groups have largely stayed quiet, with a national hotel association stressing safety but not saying if hotels will comply. Several major venues have not commented.
This demand from the union also comes after LA mayor Karen Bass directed city staff to bar ICE from city property, increase LAPD monitoring of federal immigration agents, and ensure compliance with new state restrictions on federal enforcement.
The White House has also created a task force to lead and coordinate federal efforts in support of FIFA, with the Trump administration expected to play an active oversight role.
With Los Angeles preparing for large World Cup crowds, staffing disruptions — especially in hospitality —could strain its ability to handle visitors amid growing friction between the Trump administration and California leaders.
The Department of Homeland Security in a statement to the Post, wrote, “DHS will work with our local and federal partners to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup — in line with federal law the U.S. Constitution — as we do with every major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the entire world.”
“Our mission is simple: ensure every fan – Americans and visitors alike – has a safe and unforgettable experience.”
“International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about,” the statement continued. “What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the U.S. — full stop. Speculation to the contrary is ill-informed. At the same time, foreign visitors MUST be proactive and should start working on their travel plans and documents well ahead of time to ensure a smooth travel experience.”
The California Post also reached out to the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for comment.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19, kicking off with the opening match and ceremonies in Los Angeles and concluding with the final in New Jersey.
