Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday called on U.S. authorities to avoid immigration enforcement operations targeting fans attending the Gold Cup soccer match in Los Angeles, where Mexico is set to face the Dominican Republic on Saturday.
Her appeal follows recent immigration raids in Los Angeles targeting undocumented migrants—actions reminiscent of enforcement policies under former President Donald Trump. These operations have sparked protests in several major cities across the United States.
Adding to concerns, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had posted—then deleted—a message on social media saying agents would be “suited and booted” for the opening matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, a precursor to next year’s World Cup.
“We don’t believe there will be any immigration action at a soccer match,” Sheinbaum said during her morning press briefing. “But we are calling on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to refrain from taking such actions.”
CBP has not responded to requests for comment.
When asked whether she would still encourage fans to attend the match at SoFi Stadium, Sheinbaum affirmed that Mexican consulates across the U.S. are prepared to support nationals if detained, having set up assistance protocols.
She also addressed viral images circulating on social media of demonstrators in Los Angeles waving Mexican flags, suggesting the scenes could be “potential provocations.”
“Mexico will always stand for peace,” Sheinbaum said, emphasizing that Mexican nationals living in the U.S. are hardworking individuals who do not seek confrontation or violence.
Following the Los Angeles fixture, Mexico’s national team will continue its Gold Cup group stage campaign with matches in Arlington, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The tournament includes several Central American nations with large migrant populations in the U.S., prompting heightened sensitivity around immigration enforcement during the event.
