California Hospitality Union Calls for Bold Changes Regarding ICE Agents

The preparations for the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles could face significant hurdles due to a bold demand by a prominent union, potentially affecting millions of visitors expected in just a few months.

Unite Here Local 11, a union representing thousands of hospitality workers across Southern California, has called on hotels, stadiums, and businesses near airports to refrain from hosting federal immigration agents during the globally anticipated event, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

In a letter dispatched on Monday to over 200 employers, representing more than 32,000 workers, the union expressed its concerns. This request highlights potential conflicts between security measures for the World Cup and the working conditions in one of the nation’s top tourist destinations.

Meanwhile, Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), acknowledged the agency’s integral role in the World Cup’s security plans during a congressional hearing. When questioned about suspending operations during the tournament, he confirmed ICE’s involvement in maintaining security.

Lyons provided these insights while addressing the House Homeland Security Committee, where discussions also touched on the aftermath of a tragic incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis, which occurred during President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement initiatives.

The union contends that the presence of ICE or other federal agencies could lead to unsafe or unstable conditions for both workers and guests, according to the Los Angeles Times. This adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate planning required for hosting such a significant international event.

“We know ICE isn’t just here to enforce the law, they are agitators, they are being violent, they are killing community members,” Ana Mendez, 43, told the Times. “Anything can happen.”

She has has worked as a banquet server at the J.W. Marriott for 15 years and said the situation in Minnesota scares her.

“The whole industry needs to understand that we cannot put our lives at risk. Money is important, our jobs are important, but our life and our safety is more important. We need to make sure that we come back to our families,” she added.

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Immigrants make up 32.7% of California’s labor force and support the state’s economy in many ways, according to the American Immigration Council. Of California’s 10.6 million immigrants, 2.28 million are undocumented — representing one in five immigrants and 8% of all workers in California, a UCLA study found.

Unite Here Local 11 maintains that its labor agreements guarantee a safe workplace and says the presence of immigration agents could qualify as “unusually dangerous conditions.”

Under those contracts, workers may have the right to refuse to work or leave a job site without facing discipline if such conditions arise.

“We want to be clear,” the letter said. “If ICE or similar enforcement agents are present at or near your property, workers must be allowed to leave or refuse to report to work without reprisal.”

The union also emphasized that its contracts prohibit employers from allowing immigration agents onto private property without a warrant.

The issue is not entirely new in Los Angeles.

During 2023 strike-era hotel contract negotiations, Unite Here Local 11 secured clauses barring employers from using the federal E-Verify system to screen out undocumented workers.

Industry groups have largely stayed quiet, with a national hotel association stressing safety but not saying if hotels will comply. Several major venues have not commented.

This demand from the union also comes after LA mayor Karen Bass directed city staff to bar ICE from city property, increase LAPD monitoring of federal immigration agents, and ensure compliance with new state restrictions on federal enforcement.

The White House has also created a task force to lead and coordinate federal efforts in support of FIFA, with the Trump administration expected to play an active oversight role.

With Los Angeles preparing for large World Cup crowds, staffing disruptions — especially in hospitality —could strain its ability to handle visitors amid growing friction between the Trump administration and California leaders.

The Department of Homeland Security in a statement to the Post, wrote, “DHS will work with our local and federal partners to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup — in line with federal law the U.S. Constitution — as we do with every major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the entire world.”

“Our mission is simple: ensure every fan – Americans and visitors alike – has a safe and unforgettable experience.”

“International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about,” the statement continued. “What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the U.S. — full stop. Speculation to the contrary is ill-informed. At the same time, foreign visitors MUST be proactive and should start working on their travel plans and documents well ahead of time to ensure a smooth travel experience.”

The California Post also reached out to the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for comment.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19, kicking off with the opening match and ceremonies in Los Angeles and concluding with the final in New Jersey.