Several advocacy groups in Charlotte have called on local officials to keep immigration enforcement agents out of Sunday’s soccer match between the United States and Senegal, arguing that the presence of ICE could discourage fans from attending and could negatively affect the city’s businesses.
Community Concerns Over Enforcement at a High‑Profile Friendly
The game is expected to draw a large international crowd, serving as a final tune‑up for the U.S. Men’s National Team before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Organizers have not yet confirmed the exact security arrangement, but the advocacy groups fear that any visible ICE presence could create an atmosphere of fear that would keep potential spectators, especially those from immigrant communities, away from the stadium.
Action NC and the Carolina Migrant Network were among the organizations that submitted the request, emphasizing that the match’s economic benefits could be undermined if enforcement actions deter attendance. They pointed to past instances where heightened immigration scrutiny had a chilling effect on community participation in public events.
The call for a ICE‑free environment comes after the agency announced that agents would be part of the security plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a decision that has sparked broader debate about the intersection of sports, immigration policy, and public safety.
Bank of America Stadium, the venue for the friendly, has not responded to inquiries from WFAE, nor have FIFA or ICE, leaving the final security details uncertain. The lack of official comment has only amplified the concerns voiced by the advocacy groups.