Appeal for Peace at the Gold Cup
In a bid to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during the Gold Cup soccer match in Los Angeles, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly appealed to U.S. immigration officials on Friday, requesting that they refrain from enforcing immigration laws on attendees during the event. The Mexican national team is set to compete against the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium on Saturday.
Context of Immigration Enforcement
Sheinbaum’s comments come in light of recent immigration raids targeting undocumented individuals in Los Angeles, a strategy attributed to the policies from former President Donald Trump’s administration, which has triggered significant protests in various U.S. cities.
Official Statement
“We do not anticipate any immigration enforcement occurring at soccer matches, and we call on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to abstain from any actions during the event.”
In her remarks, she was also questioned about whether she would encourage fans to attend the game. She highlighted that Mexican consulates in the U.S. are ready to assist citizens if they encounter any issues.
Controversy Over Security Measures
The issue of immigration enforcement at large events has been controversial since U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) previously posted on social media about security plans for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in a now-removed message, stating they would be “suited and booted” for the matches. In response, the CBP clarified that they are dedicated to collaborating with local and federal partners to maintain security at significant events, including the Super Bowl, underscoring their unchanged commitment to public safety.
Addressing Tensions
The context of these discussions is compounded by the presence of Central American nations participating in the Gold Cup, highlighting the extensive immigrant communities in the U.S. Seeking to alleviate tensions, Sheinbaum addressed images circulating on social media of demonstrators waving Mexican flags, dismissing these as potential provocations and reiterating Mexico’s commitment to promoting peace. She highlighted the contributions of Mexican nationals in the U.S. as hardworking people who do not aim to create discord.
Upcoming Matches
Mexico’s upcoming matches in the tournament will take place in Arlington, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The reporting includes insights from Reuters and The Associated Press.
