International News: Mexican President urges United States to suspend immigration raids during Gold Cup match

Published by [email protected] at June 14, 2025

Posted: Saturday, June 14, 2025. 10:41 am CST.

Mexican fans at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on May 28, 2025. Photo Credit: SoFi Stadium

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged United States officials to refrain from conducting immigration enforcement actions during Saturday’s inaugural Gold Cup football match between Mexico and the Dominican Republic in Los Angeles.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Sheinbaum emphasized her government’s opposition to immigration raids targeting Mexican nationals and called for restraint from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“We don’t believe that there will be any raids if there’s a soccer game,” Sheinbaum said. “We hope there won’t be any. We call for no action from ICE.”

Sheinbaum’s comments come amid increased immigration enforcement measures in Southern California, where dozens of workers have been detained in raids across Los Angeles. Authorities have reportedly detained more than 100 personas in recent days.

The Concacaf Gold Cup, a tournament featuring the best teams in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, is set to kick off on Saturday. Mexico and the Dominican Republic will face off in the opening match at 8:15 pm at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

The Mexican Men’s National Team (MMNT) draws large crowds anywhere in the United States, but more so in Southern California. More than 50,000 attended the Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Canada earlier this year.

In response to ongoing protests triggered by the raids, US President Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops and Marines to the Los Angeles area. Demonstrators have taken to the streets, blocking freeways and setting cars ablaze in some incidents.

On the matter of the arrests, Sheinbaum also assured Mexican citizens living in the US that consulates would provide guidance on their rights and offer support for those detained.

“This campaign we are carrying out through the consulates will provide all the information on what to do if detained, as well as ongoing contact with families,” she said.

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