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Workers at SoFi Stadium voted to strike just a week before hosting the United States men’s national soccer team for the World Cup.
The UNITE HERE Local 11 union negotiated with Legends Global while a deal stalled, and a big concern remains the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 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 that federal authorities would be at games to help with security, but not with civil immigration enforcement.
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SOFI Stadium employees protest outside the Los Angeles office of FIFA World Cup 26 to demand a ban on ICE from the World Cup on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are scheduled at SOFI Stadium during the summer tournament. (Frédéric J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
“All of this is subject to change, but I trust that they’re giving me the appropriate information, because if this starts to happen, we’re going to have a whole new set of problems,” he added.
“What’s the point of the World Cup in Los Angeles when workers don’t make enough to pay their rent and have to choose between showing up or getting kidnapped by ICE?” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. “If we are forced to strike, these $100,000 FIFA suites will only have bottled water and Doritos.”
A press release issued Friday, according to The Athletic, indicates negotiations are expected to continue on Monday.
“Workers must have the right to walk away from their jobs if federal immigration enforcement enters the stadium and creates reasonable fear for their safety – no worker should have to choose between their job and their freedom,” the statement said.
The union also wants “compensation that reflects the true cost of living in Los Angeles, including a bonus for the World Cup and other mega-events, as well as payment to a housing fund to build housing for hospitality workers.”
Protesters hold “Kick ICE Out” signs on an inflatable rat outside SoFi Stadium during an anti-ICE protest at the Los Angeles office of the FIFA 26 World Cup, May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are scheduled at SoFi Stadium this summer. (Frédéric 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 exceptional hospitality experience to fans during FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium,” the company said in a statement Wednesday.
The union filed a complaint with the California Attorney General, saying workers were at risk of being targeted by ICE because of FIFA’s accreditation process.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said he would play a “key role” in ensure security during the tournamentsomething 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 the matches, fearing arrests near stadiums and watch parties could dampen the festivities.
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is one of 16 stadiums selected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including 11 in the United States. (Getty Images)
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SoFi Stadium will host eight matches.
