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SoFi Stadium workers voted to authorize a strike just a week before hosting the United States men’s national soccer team for the World Cup.
The UNITE HERE Local 11 union has been negotiating with Legends Global amid a stalled deal, and a major concern remains the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the stadium during World Cup games.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said this week that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told him federal authorities would be at the games to help with security, but not civil immigration enforcement.
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SOFI Stadium workers protest outside the 26th FIFA World Cup office in Los Angeles calling for ICE to be banned from the World Cup on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are planned at SOFI Stadium during the summer tournament. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
“That’s all subject to change, but I trust that they’re giving me the right information because if that starts to happen, we’re going to have a whole new set of problems,” he added.
“What good is the World Cup to Los Angeles when workers don’t make enough to pay rent and must choose between showing up or being kidnapped by ICE?” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. “If we are forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos.”
A press release on Friday, according to The Athletic, said negotiations are expected to continue on Monday.
“Workers should have the right to leave work if federal immigration authorities enter the stadium and create reasonable fear for their safety; no worker should have to choose between their job and their freedom,” the statement said.
The union also wants “a wage that reflects the true cost of living in Los Angeles, including paying bonuses for the World Cup and other mega-events, and paying into a housing fund to build housing for hospitality workers.”
Protesters hold signs reading “Kick ICE Out” on an inflatable rat outside SoFi Stadium during an anti-ICE demonstration at the Los Angeles office of the 26th FIFA World Cup on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are scheduled at SoFi Stadium this summer. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
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Legends Global, which handles hospitality at SoFi, said the company has a long-standing relationship with the union and is committed to reaching an agreement through contract negotiations.
“We look forward to delivering an excellent hospitality experience to fans at FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium,” the company said in a statement Wednesday.
The union filed a complaint with the California attorney general, stating that workers could be at risk of being targeted by ICE due to FIFA’s accreditation process.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons has said he will play a “key role” in Ensure security during the tournament.something Luna confirmed.
Community groups in other World Cup host cities, such as Atlanta and Miami, have also called for a halt to U.S. immigration enforcement during games, fearing that arrests near stadiums and viewing parties could tarnish the festivities.
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is one of 16 stadiums selected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including 11 in the US. (Getty Images)
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SoFi Stadium will host eight games.
