A Call for a Safe Stadium
The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team is set to host Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte as part of its World Cup preparatory schedule, drawing attention from both sports fans and immigrant‑rights advocates.
A coalition of local organizations has issued a joint appeal that the match be conducted without the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, arguing that the event should be a welcoming space for the city’s immigrant communities.
Hector Vaca, who leads immigrant‑justice initiatives at Action NC, told organizers that the game must send a clear message of solidarity, stating that “ICE should not be welcome on the field or in the stands.”
Guy Brown, a member of the Charlotte Metro Democratic Socialists of America, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that attendees should feel safe from any immigration enforcement actions while cheering for their team.
City Assurance of No ICE Presence
Charlotte city officials have reiterated that no ICE personnel are expected at the venue, with Council Member JD Mazuera Arias noting that the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police Department does not cooperate with ICE for routine immigration checks.
On the federal level, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that ICE officers will be stationed at World Cup venues across the United States, though he did not specify the exact deployment in Charlotte.
The Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police Department plans to have officers both inside and outside the stadium to ensure public safety, while advocacy groups hope the organizers of the Allstate Continental Clasico will publicly affirm their support for the city’s immigrant population.