World Cup Visitors Warned Over US Immigration Crackdown

LONDON, April 24 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Civil liberties groups have advised that players, fans and journalists could be exposed to “serious harm” at this summer’s World Cup due to the United States (US) government’s immigration crackdown, reported PA Media/dpa.

A group of 120 organisations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), issued a travel advisory on Thursday urging visitors to the US to “exercise caution”.

The advisory states that while the “rising authoritarianism” of US President Donald Trump’s administration poses a serious risk to all, those from immigrant communities, racial and ethnic minority groups, and other individuals have been and continue to be disproportionately targeted and affected.

ACLU said potential human rights abuses could include racial profiling and discrimination by law enforcement, invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices, the suppression of speech and protest, and the risk of inhuman treatment.

“As the human rights climate in the US deteriorates, FIFA must advocate for policy changes that align with international human rights and ensure that players, fans, and journalists can participate safely,” an ACLU statement said.

“Instead, FIFA has spent the last year closely aligning itself with the Trump administration by hosting its recent tournament draw at the Kennedy Centre, a place where President Trump received the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize.”

It has been reported that FIFA is considering seeking a moratorium on raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials during the finals, but so far, nothing has been confirmed.

ACLU’s statement added: “ICE continues to act with little accountability or regard for human dignity, and should be reined in both during and beyond the FIFA World Cup games.”

A FIFA spokesperson said in response to the issuing of the travel advisory: “As per article 3 of the FIFA Statutes, FIFA is committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights.

“The development and publication of the FWC2026 Sustainability and Human Rights Strategy and the FWC2026 Human Rights Framework are clear evidence of FIFA’s commitment to human rights.

“This is further reinforced by the recently updated FIFA Statement on Human Rights Defenders and Media Representatives, as well as the establishment of an FWC2026 Human Rights Advisory Group comprised of independent experts.

“The wide promotion of the FIFA Human Rights Grievance Mechanism also reflects this commitment across all key activities and actors connected to the tournament.”

ICE has also been contacted for comment.

-- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa