Soccer Fans Anxiety Grows Amid U.S. Immigration Crackdown

As tensions rise, supporters are reconsidering gathering for matches due to potential deportation risks.

Manny Mizael, a die-hard Flamengo supporter who moved from Brazil to Boston 27 years ago, has witnessed a dramatic change in the atmosphere surrounding soccer events in the United States. This year, discussions within his enthusiastic supporters club have shifted focus from celebrating Flamengo's achievements to addressing the fears stemming from the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies. Many fans, primarily from abroad and lacking legal status, have shared concerns of being targeted for arrest, leading to the cancellation of a planned watch party earlier this year—a decision that reflects the anxiety rippling through communities of international fans as the World Cup approaches.

With millions expected to attend the World Cup—set to be hosted primarily in the United States in a much-anticipated showcase of global soccer—the potential ramifications of these immigration policies raise alarm. Fans usually invest significantly in such experiences, often depleting savings to make the once-in-a-lifetime trip. However, the looming threat of immigration raids could discourage attendance, transforming what should be a celebratory event into one fraught with anxiety for many supporters. The situation is prompting folks like Mizael to reconsider how they participate in sporting events amidst a shift toward heightened immigration enforcement.