World Cup attendees from minority groups face potential ICE enforcement issues

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Haiti’s First World Cup Appearance Since 1974 Raises Concerns for Immigrant Community

The Haitian community in Massachusetts, one of the largest diaspora groups in the US, is bracing themselves for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The country’s first appearance since 1974 has generated immense pride among fans, including Emile, a Haitian living in Ohio. However, Emile is hesitant to attend matches due to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.

According to government figures, Massachusetts is home to approximately 87,000 Haitians, making it one of the largest populations for the diaspora in the US. All three of Haiti’s group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in the US, with games against Brazil in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Morocco in Atlanta, Georgia.

Emile, a truck driver in his 40s, expressed his desire to attend the World Cup but is worried about being arrested by ICE. “I think twice,” he said. “I don’t want to be caught at the airport.” His concerns are shared by many in the immigrant community, who have witnessed aggressive tactics from ICE officers.

Monica Sarmiento of the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights stated that 70% of people arrested, detained, and deported by ICE have no criminal record. “Many of them have been here for decades, paying taxes for decades,” she added. The Trump administration’s plans to end temporary protected status, which prevents deportation to Haiti, have further fueled fears among the Haitian community.

Reports from Human Rights Watch have highlighted the risks faced by asylum seekers and foreign tourists attending World Cup matches. More than 120 US civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have issued a travel advisory warning of potential rights violations for fans, players, journalists, and other visitors.

Seventy-eight of the 104 World Cup matches will be held in the US, with Canada and Mexico co-hosting the tournament. The possibility of ICE activity around US matches has led to concerns among the Hispanic community, which comprises 20% of the US population.

Source: Al Jazeera