SOCCER: SoFi Stadium workers urge FIFA to bar ICE from World Cup, threaten strike

LOS ANGELES — A union representing about 2,000 food service workers at SoFi Stadium is demanding that FIFA keep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of World Cup operations in Los Angeles and warned that workers could strike if their concerns are not addressed.

Unite Here Local 11, which represents cooks, servers, and bartenders at the Inglewood stadium, said the workers still do not have a labor contract as the World Cup approaches.

The union outlined three key demands to FIFA and stadium owner Kroenke Sports & Entertainment:

A public commitment that ICE and Border Patrol will have no role in the tournament.

Protections for union jobs and working conditions.

Support for affordable housing for hospitality workers.

Acting Department of Homeland Security Director Todd Lyons previously said that ICE would play a “key part” in the World Cup. Local 11 said this threatens the safety of both workers and guests.

FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and SoFi Stadium representatives declined to comment.

The union also called for assurances that artificial intelligence and automation would not be used during the tournament to eliminate union jobs.

Local 11 linked its labor demands to broader concerns about housing costs in Los Angeles, particularly in Inglewood, calling for a workforce housing fund, restrictions on short-term rentals, and tax measures to fund affordable housing and immigrant family protections.

“FIFA and its corporate sponsors will pocket billions from Los Angeles while refusing to even acknowledge the cooks, servers, and stand attendants who make this event possible,” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of Local 11.

The union said it has repeatedly sought meetings with FIFA since Los Angeles was chosen as a host city but has been ignored. Los Angeles will host eight World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium, beginning with the U.S. against Paraguay on June 12. -Reporting by Rory CarrollEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters