Immigration Policies Cast Shadow Over World Cup Excitement in the U.S.

With fears of immigration raids, soccer supporters are altering their plans and gatherings as they prepare for an event meant to unite the international community.

Manny Mizael, a devoted Flamengo fan who moved from Brazil to Boston 27 years ago, has always fostered a strong connection to his roots. His Massachusetts-based supporters club regularly organizes match viewings that attract large crowds, celebrating the joyful spirit of soccer. However, this year, discussions within the fan community have shifted dramatically from tactics to survival, focusing on the looming specter of President Trump’s strict immigration policies.

Recent months have seen a spike in anxiety surrounding potential immigration raids, leading Mizael's group to cancel a planned watch party earlier this year. Mizael expressed, “People are being snatched off the streets and getting arrested. We decided not to do the game because we thought it could ruin the lives of many people.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern as international travelers eye next year's World Cup, set to take place in the U.S. alongside Canada and Mexico.

The tournament is anticipated to draw an astounding 6.5 million fans, many of whom are preparing for this bucket-list event by emptying their savings and making significant financial sacrifices. Yet, as excitement brews for the matches, it’s tempered for many by the threat of deportation, weighing heavily on fans from countries vulnerable to Trump’s travel restrictions.

In light of these developments, fan engagement is evolving, with many supporters contemplating alternative strategies to connect amid these pressing concerns. With the World Cup positioned as a beacon of global sport and unity, the specter of immigration enforcement has veiled the prospect of celebration for countless soccer lovers.