Concacaf, the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean, said today it is working closely with local officials as protests continue in Los Angeles ahead of Saturday’s Gold Cup opener between Mexico and the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium. The announcement came amid growing concern over a recent round of immigration raids that have sparked city‑wide demonstrations.
Protesters have gathered in downtown Los Angeles and around other key sites since federal authorities conducted raids that led to more than 40 arrests over the past week. Demonstrators blocked freeway ramps, set self‑driving cars on fire and clashed with police, who used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. In response, Concacaf confirmed it is in “close and ongoing communication” with the Los Angeles Police Department, county sheriffs and state security teams to ensure a safe matchday experience for fans and players.
SoFi Stadium, which sits in Inglewood just southwest of downtown, has stepped up its security plan. The venue enforces a clear‑bag policy that only allows transparent plastic or PVC bags no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Staff will screen fans at all entries, checking for weapons, incendiary devices, drones, professional cameras and certain mobility devices such as motorized scooters. In addition, stadium operators are using modern tools like facial recognition software and AI‑driven cameras to scan for risks in real time. While exact security details for the Gold Cup have not been made public, the venue has confirmed it will collaborate with city and federal agencies to monitor crowds and respond swiftly to any threats.
In light of the protests, the Mexican national team changed its lodging plans for the opener. Originally set to stay in a downtown hotel, El Tri moved to a Long Beach property hours before the match to limit contact with protest zones. Coach Javier Aguirre, asked about the switch during a press briefing in North Carolina, said, “We want our players to feel safe and focused on the game. That is our priority.” After facing the Dominican Republic, Mexico heads to Arlington, Texas, to play Suriname, then to Las Vegas for a match against Costa Rica.
Community leaders have also voiced concerns about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at major sporting events. Local organizers say fear of raids led to the cancelation of several Hispanic‑focused gatherings in recent weeks. They warn that fans without clear legal status may skip games at SoFi and other venues if they believe they could be detained. Last March, nearly 70,000 people packed SoFi for the Mexico‑Panama Nations League final. This time, attendance could suffer if fans stay away out of fear.
Reports suggest that ICE agents will be visible at the Club World Cup in Miami this December, even though U.S. Customs and Border Protection briefly removed a Facebook post stating they would deploy in full gear at Hard Rock Stadium. FIFA President Gianni Infantino downplayed worries about federal officers at matches, arguing that their presence would not dampen turnout. Yet local groups counter that any sight of uniforms and badges near stadium gates can create a chilling effect and drive away supporters.
Concacaf says it will keep fans informed of any security changes through its official channels and through the tournament’s mobile app. Fans attending Saturday’s match are urged to arrive early, comply with bag rules and follow staff directions. Law enforcement has warned that any unrest near stadium access points could delay entry and exit, so organizers recommend planning extra travel time.
As the Gold Cup gets under way, officials face a delicate balance: they must protect fans and players without adding to community tensions. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the opening match proceeds safely, even as the city around SoFi Stadium wrestles with protests over immigration policy.
