Mexico’s President Urges U.S. to Spare Soccer Fans Amid ICE Tensions in LA

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged U.S. immigration authorities to show restraint toward fans attending the Mexico vs. Dominican Republic Gold Cup match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles this Saturday. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Sheinbaum emphasized a message of peace, stating, "We don’t expect any immigration actions at a soccer match, and we call on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to refrain from such measures."

Her plea comes amid heightened tensions in Los Angeles, where recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting convicted criminals sparked protests and riots. The city remains under a curfew, with nearly 400 arrests reported since Saturday, mostly for failing to disperse, though some face serious charges like assault on police officers and possession of weapons.

A now-deleted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) social media post promising to be "suited and booted" at the upcoming Club World Cup matches raised concerns. CBP clarified that their presence is standard for major events like the Super Bowl, aimed at ensuring safety. However, the timing of ICE operations, coupled with the deployment of National Guard troops by President Trump to protect federal officers, has fueled controversy.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the operations, stating, "Murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers—these are the criminals rioters are shielding." She criticized local leaders for prioritizing undocumented criminals over citizens. As Los Angeles braces for the soccer match, Sheinbaum’s call for calm underscores the delicate balance between enforcement and community harmony.