The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, and for many fans, it's a time of excitement and pride. But for Emile, a Haitian living in Ohio, the tournament is a source of anxiety. He's afraid to attend a match because of the US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Emile doesn't want to be arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

Emile, a truck driver in his 40s, doesn't want to take any risks. His lawyer has advised him not to fly to the match, so he won't get caught at the airport. This fear isn't unique to Emile; many in the immigrant community are worried about being targeted by ICE. They're concerned that ICE officers won't distinguish between undocumented immigrants and those with temporary protected status.

Monica Sarmiento, of the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights, says people are making sure they're aware of what they're doing and don't feel safe. Sarmiento adds that 70% of people arrested, detained, and deported have no criminal record. Many of them have been in the US for decades, paying taxes. They're contributing members of society, but they're still at risk of deportation.

'Singing my country's national anthem in a stadium in front of the whole world is a historic moment that no one would want to miss,' Emile said. 'But at the same time, I think twice. I don't want to be arrested by ICE.' Emile's concerns are valid, given the current immigration climate.

The Trump administration wants to end the temporary protected status that benefits Emile and others. This status prevents their deportation to Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world. Haiti is ravaged by political instability, economic crisis, and gang violence. It's not a safe place for Emile or others with temporary protected status to return to.

Seventy-eight of the 104 World Cup matches will be held in the US, which is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico. The possibility of ICE activity around US matches has sparked concerns among the US Hispanic community. This community comprises 20% of the US population. The Haitian community, with around 850,000 people in 2024, is also under threat. They're worried about being targeted by ICE officers.

Fears have been stoked by reports like one from Human Rights Watch. The report said an asylum seeker who attended the Club World Cup final last year in New Jersey with his children was arrested by ICE and deported to his country of origin. Some rights organizations fear that ICE will target foreign tourists around stadiums or in fan zones. They won't hesitate to take action, even if it means arresting someone who's in the US legally.

More than 120 US civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, issued a 'travel advisory' in April. They warned of the 'risk of serious rights violations' to fans, players, journalists, and other visitors. According to the signatories, people traveling to the US could risk denial of entry, arrest, detention, and/or deportation. They could also face racial profiling, and 'cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment — and even death — while in ICE detention or custody.'

ICE has long been involved in security arrangements for major sporting events like the Super Bowl. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said international visitors who come to the US for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. 'What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the US,' the spokesperson said. However, this statement doesn't alleviate the concerns of immigrants like Emile.

World football's governing body, FIFA, said it 'is committed to respecting all internationally recognized human rights and strives to promote the protection of these rights.' FIFA wants to ensure that the World Cup is a celebration of football, not a platform for human rights abuses. The World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19.

The US Hispanic community is concentrated in California, Texas, and Florida, with significant representation in major cities like Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York. The Haitian community is largely concentrated in Miami and New York. These communities are worried about the impact of the Trump administration's immigration policies on their lives.

The Trump administration's immigration policies have been a subject of controversy and debate. The administration has been criticized for its handling of immigration issues, including the separation of families at the border and the use of detention centers. These policies have caused a lot of anxiety among immigrants. They don't know what the future holds for them.

As the World Cup approaches, the concerns of immigrants like Emile are likely to grow. The tournament is a celebration of football, but it's also a reminder of the fears and anxieties that many people face. The World Cup should be a time of joy and celebration, not a time of fear and anxiety.

  • 78 World Cup matches will be held in the US
  • 20% of the US population is Hispanic
  • 850,000 Haitians live in the US
  • The Trump administration wants to end temporary protected status for Haitians
  • 70% of people arrested, detained, and deported have no criminal record
  • The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19