Immigration fears cloud big L.A. soccer weekend

https://ktla.com/news/immigration-fears-cloud-big-l-a-soccer-weekend/

Two of the world’s biggest soccer events kick off in Southern California this weekend – but excitement is met with unease, as fans and immigrant advocates raise concerns over increased federal enforcement and security at stadiums.

On Saturday, more than 50,000 fans are expected at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood for the CONCACAF Gold Cup opener, where Mexico will face the Dominican Republic. The match comes amid ongoing immigration raids across Los Angeles that have already prompted Mexico’s national team to relocate from its original hotel due to safety concerns.

Just one day later, the FIFA Club World Cup begins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, with European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético de Madrid squaring off in the first of six scheduled matches at the venue this month.

Both FIFA and Gold Cup organizers say they’re working with local and federal law enforcement, though Immigration and Customs Enforcement is not officially listed among stadium partners. Still, with National Guard troops deployed throughout the region and a new federal travel ban in effect, the atmosphere has shifted for many longtime soccer supporters.

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