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FIFA urged to push US for ‘ICE Truce’ at World Cup by Human Rights Watch
TL;DR
Human Rights Watch urges FIFA to persuade the US government to implement an 'ICE Truce' during the 2026 World Cup, ensuring no immigration enforcement at events. This call comes amid concerns over human rights violations linked to current immigration policies.
Key points
- FIFA urged to push for an 'ICE Truce' during the World Cup
- Human Rights Watch highlights risks of human rights abuses
- 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams co-hosted by US, Canada, and Mexico
- US immigration policies criticized for creating unsafe environments
- Concerns over violations of free speech and due process rights
Mentioned in this story
Human Rights WatchFIFAUS Immigration and Customs EnforcementDonald Trump
2026 World Cup
FIFA should press the United States government to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights Watch (HRW) have said in a report.
The 2026 World Cup – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.
Rights groups have condemned the crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and created an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic security and curb illegal immigration.
“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers,” HRW said. “One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce’…
“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) and his FIFA colleagues should use their leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games,” it added.
“Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech.”
The idea is drawn from the “Olympic Truce”, a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.
“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told the news agency, Reuters.
“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners.
“President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that.”
Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the US for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights abuses.
Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of cruel or inhumane treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.
Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA.
Q&A
What is the 'ICE Truce' proposed by Human Rights Watch?
The 'ICE Truce' is a call for the US government to guarantee no immigration enforcement operations at World Cup events.
Why is Human Rights Watch concerned about immigration enforcement at the World Cup?
HRW is concerned that immigration enforcement could lead to human rights abuses and create an unsafe environment for athletes and fans.
When and where will the 2026 World Cup take place?
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
What has been the impact of US immigration policies on free speech and due process?
Rights groups argue that the hardline immigration policies have led to violations of free speech and due process rights, particularly affecting minorities.
