Junior school pupil treated for meningitis in fourth Reading case
A junior school pupil in Reading is treated for meningitis, marking the fourth case linked to the same social network.
BBC News1 min read
Los Angeles World Cup stadium workers threaten strike over ICE deployment
TL;DR
Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles threaten to strike if ICE is deployed during FIFA World Cup matches. The union demands guarantees from federal authorities to ensure ICE will not be present at the venue.
Key points
- Workers at SoFi Stadium threaten to strike over ICE deployment
- UNITE HERE Local 11 represents 2,000 hospitality employees
- ICE presence would create fear for workers and fans
- Stadium will host eight World Cup games in June and July
- Opening fixture for the US is on June 12
Mentioned in this story
UNITE HERE Local 11SoFi Stadium
FIFA World Cup
Workers at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have decided to go on strike if federal immigration enforcement agents are deployed at the venue when it hosts FIFA World Cup matches in June and July.
The UNITE HERE Local 11 – a labour union representing some 2,000 hospitality employees – on Monday demanded federal guarantees that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would not be used during the matches scheduled at the stadium.
The venue, which will be known as the Los Angeles Stadium during the tournament, will host eight World Cup games, including the opening fixture for the United States on June 12.
Workers at the world’s most expensive sports arena say the ICE presence would create a climate of fear for themselves and for fans.
“ICE should have no role in these games,” said Isaac Martinez, a stadium cook, at a protest outside the venue.
“We do not want to live in fear coming to work, or fear being detained going home.”
“If we do not reach an agreement, my colleagues and I are ready to strike,” Martinez added, speaking on behalf of a workforce composed largely of food and beverage concession staff.
SoFi Stadium workers protest in Los Angeles on May Day [Jae C Hong/AP]
ICE has led the charge in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Human rights groups have condemned the agency for its conduct during raids in several US cities, including Los Angeles last year.
In early 2026, ICE agents fatally shot two American protesters in Minneapolis.
Workers on Monday also raised alarms over FIFA’s accreditation process, which requires employees to submit personal data before the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the US, Canada and Mexico.
“We ask FIFA not to share our information with ICE agencies, foreign countries, or intelligence services,” worker Yolanda Fierro said.
Protesters carrying plastic balls and signs reading “Kick ICE Out of the World Cup” drew support from Tom Steyer, a Democratic candidate in California’s gubernatorial race.
ICE’s mandate is border control, the financier-turned-politician said.
Q&A
Why are SoFi Stadium workers threatening to strike during the World Cup?
SoFi Stadium workers are threatening to strike due to concerns that ICE deployment would create a climate of fear for employees and fans.
What demands has UNITE HERE Local 11 made regarding ICE at the World Cup?
UNITE HERE Local 11 has demanded federal guarantees that ICE will not be present at SoFi Stadium during the World Cup matches.
When will the FIFA World Cup matches take place at SoFi Stadium?
The FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium are scheduled for June and July, with the opening fixture for the United States on June 12.
