Mexico’s President Urges No ICE Enforcement During Gold Cup; Club World Cup Stance Unclear

Key Takeaways

• Mexican President Sheinbaum requested ICE halt enforcement during Gold Cup, especially Mexico-Dominican Republic match in June 2025.
• ICE declined official pause; CBP confirmed routine security for FIFA Club World Cup starting June 16, 2025.
• Recent raids in Southern California heightened fears among undocumented immigrants attending these international soccer events.

On June 14, 2025, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum made a direct appeal to U.S. authorities, asking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold off on immigration enforcement during the CONCACAF Gold Cup, especially during the Mexico-Dominican Republic match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This request comes at a time of heightened anxiety for many immigrants and their families, as recent weeks have seen a surge in immigration raids across Southern California. President Sheinbaum’s statement, “We don’t believe that at any soccer match there will be any [immigration] action. … We call for none to be taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” reflects a growing concern for the safety and well-being of Mexican nationals attending these high-profile events.

Despite her public call, ICE has not issued any official statement agreeing to suspend enforcement during the Gold Cup. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), meanwhile, confirmed its routine security presence for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which begins June 16, 2025. CBP emphasized that its mission remains unchanged, and there is no special pause or change in enforcement policy for either the Gold Cup or the Club World Cup. This leaves many attendees, especially those without legal status, uncertain about what to expect as they gather for these major international soccer tournaments.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Diplomatic Appeal

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s request is rooted in her commitment to protect Mexican nationals living in or visiting the United States 🇺🇸. She has mobilized Mexican consulates, especially in Los Angeles, to provide legal support and information to any Mexican nationals who may be detained during the Gold Cup. The consulates are running information campaigns, offering guidance on what to do if stopped by immigration authorities, and ensuring families can reach out for help if needed.

Sheinbaum’s appeal is not legally binding. It is a diplomatic request, meaning ICE is not required to comply. However, such public statements can sometimes lead to informal changes in how enforcement is carried out, especially during events that draw international attention. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, diplomatic appeals like this can influence public perception and may result in fewer visible enforcement actions, but they do not override U.S. law or agency mandates.

ICE and CBP: No Official Pause in Enforcement

ICE has not responded directly to President Sheinbaum’s request. The agency retains full authority to conduct enforcement actions at any time and place, including during large public events. Historically, ICE and CBP sometimes reduce their visible presence at major gatherings to avoid public controversy, but there is no official policy requiring them to do so.

CBP, which is responsible for border security and also helps with security at large events, confirmed on June 12, 2025, that it will be present at the FIFA Club World Cup as part of its usual operations. CBP stated, “Our mission remains unchanged,” and emphasized its commitment to working with local and federal partners to ensure the safety of the event. This means that, for both the Gold Cup and the Club World Cup, standard enforcement practices will continue.

Recent Immigration Raids Heighten Fears

In the weeks leading up to these tournaments, federal immigration authorities have carried out several high-profile raids in Los Angeles. These include operations in the fashion district and at Home Depot parking lots, where over 100 people were detained. Farmworker arrests have also taken place in Ventura County. These actions have increased fear among undocumented immigrants and their families, many of whom worry about attending public events like soccer matches.

The lack of an official enforcement pause during the Gold Cup and Club World Cup means that the risk of being detained remains real. Mexican consulates are urging nationals to stay informed about their rights and to reach out for help if needed.

U.S. Immigration Policy Under President Trump

Since January 2025, President Trump’s administration has issued several executive orders that have made U.S. immigration policy stricter. Key changes include:

• Banning asylum requests at the border (Executive Order 14159, effective January 21, 2025)
• Restarting the ‘Remain in Mexico’ program, which requires certain asylum seekers to wait in Mexico 🇲🇽 while their cases are processed
• Expanding expedited removals and increasing deportations

These policies have led to more enforcement actions and have strained relations between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽. They have also created a climate of fear among immigrant communities, especially during high-profile events that attract large crowds.

What This Means for Fans and Attendees

For many soccer fans, especially those without legal status, the Gold Cup and Club World Cup are not just sporting events—they are also sources of anxiety. The possibility of ICE enforcement at or near stadiums has led some families to reconsider attending matches. Mexican consulates are working to provide information and legal resources to those at risk.

If you are attending a match and are concerned about immigration enforcement:

• Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer if stopped by immigration authorities.
• Carry contact information: Have the phone number of your nearest Mexican consulate with you.
• Stay informed: Follow updates from event organizers and consulates about any changes in enforcement practices.

If you or someone you know is detained:

1. Contact the nearest Mexican consulate for legal assistance and to notify family members.
2. Follow consular guidance on your rights and next steps.
3. Use consular resources: Consulates are providing ongoing contact and information campaigns for Mexican nationals.

For more information, you can visit the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles.

Event Organizers Face New Challenges

Organizers of the Gold Cup and Club World Cup must work closely with U.S. federal agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. This includes coordinating with ICE and CBP on security plans. However, they also have to manage the public relations and logistical challenges that come with the possibility of immigration enforcement during these events.

Large international tournaments like these attract media attention from around the world. Any enforcement action that leads to the detention of fans or family members could quickly become a major news story, potentially overshadowing the event itself. Organizers must balance the need for security with the need to create a welcoming environment for all fans.

U.S.-Mexico Relations: Tensions and Diplomacy

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s public appeal highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽 over immigration policy. While Mexico continues to defend the rights of its nationals abroad and provide humanitarian support to migrants, the U.S. administration under President Trump has taken a much tougher stance.

These tensions are especially visible during high-profile events like the Gold Cup and Club World Cup, which draw large numbers of Mexican nationals to the United States 🇺🇸. Sheinbaum’s efforts to protect her citizens reflect a broader commitment to humanitarian values and the defense of migrants’ rights.

Historical Context: Past Precedents and Policy Shifts

Calls to limit immigration enforcement during major sporting events are not new. In the past, both domestic and foreign officials have asked ICE and CBP to avoid visible enforcement actions to prevent public panic and international incidents. However, there is no legal requirement for these agencies to suspend operations during such events.

The Trump administration’s recent executive orders have made U.S. immigration policy even stricter, leading to more deportations and fewer protections for asylum seekers. These changes have increased fear among immigrant communities and made diplomatic relations with Mexico more difficult.

Mexico, for its part, continues to pursue a humanitarian approach to migration. The government has provided legal status to many Central American migrants and has reiterated its independence in making migration policy decisions.

Expert Perspectives: What Analysts and Advocates Say

Immigration experts point out that while diplomatic appeals like President Sheinbaum’s can influence public perception, they do not have the force of law. ICE and CBP are not required to change their enforcement practices based on such requests. The risk of enforcement remains, especially under the current administration’s priorities.

Event security experts note that large international events always involve heightened security, including immigration checks. However, overt enforcement actions inside stadiums are rare, as they can lead to public backlash and logistical problems.

Advocacy groups are urging attendees to know their rights and to use consular resources if needed. They are also calling for formal agreements to protect vulnerable populations during major events, but so far, no such agreements have been reached.

Looking Ahead: Club World Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup

The FIFA Club World Cup, which runs from June 16 to July 6, 2025, will see a routine CBP security presence, but no official ICE moratorium has been announced. Mexican consulates are expected to continue providing support and information to nationals who may be at risk.

Looking further ahead, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States 🇺🇸, Mexico 🇲🇽, and Canada 🇨🇦. With even larger crowds and more international attention expected, there will likely be increased pressure for clear policies regarding immigration enforcement during matches, especially in U.S. host cities.

Mexico is expected to keep pressing for humanitarian considerations and legal protections for its nationals during these events. However, the U.S. administration’s stance is unlikely to change in the near future.

Summary Table: Gold Cup vs. Club World Cup – Immigration Enforcement

Practical Guidance for At-Risk Individuals

If you are worried about immigration enforcement at these events, here are some steps you can take:

• Stay informed: Follow updates from the Mexican consulate and event organizers.
• Know your rights: You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status. You can ask to speak to a lawyer.
• Keep important documents and contact information with you: This includes the phone number of your consulate and any legal documents you may have.
• If detained: Contact your consulate immediately for help and guidance.

For official information on your rights and what to do if you are stopped by immigration authorities, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Official Contacts and Resources

• Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles: gob.mx/sre
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: cbp.gov
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: ice.gov

Conclusion

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s request for a pause in ICE enforcement during the Gold Cup highlights the ongoing struggle to protect Mexican nationals amid a period of strict U.S. immigration policies. While her appeal has drawn attention to the issue, there is no official agreement to halt enforcement during these events. The risk of detention remains for both the Gold Cup and the Club World Cup, and affected individuals are encouraged to seek consular support and stay informed about their rights.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, diplomatic efforts can shape public perception and sometimes lead to informal changes in enforcement, but they do not override U.S. law. For now, fans, families, and organizers must prepare for the possibility of enforcement actions and use available resources to protect themselves and their communities. The coming months, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, will likely see continued debate and diplomatic engagement over how best to balance security with humanitarian concerns at major international events.

Learn Today

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → U.S. federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and investigating immigration violations.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → Federal agency managing border security and immigration enforcement at ports of entry and large events.
Gold Cup → The CONCACAF Gold Cup is a major international soccer tournament for North American teams held in 2025.
Remain in Mexico Program → U.S. immigration policy requiring certain asylum seekers to wait in Mexico during their court process.
Expedited Removals → Fast-tracked deportation procedures allowing quick removal of unauthorized immigrants without full hearings.

This Article in a Nutshell

President Sheinbaum appeals to U.S. ICE to suspend immigration enforcement during June 2025 Gold Cup soccer matches, amid recent raids. ICE and CBP maintain standard policies, leaving fans uncertain. Mexican consulates provide legal support to protect nationals during these high-profile events across Southern California and beyond.
— By VisaVerge.com