A coalition of Charlotte-area advocacy groups is urging local leaders and event organizers to keep immigration agents away from a major international soccer match at Bank of America Stadium this weekend.
The groups called on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, FIFA, Bank of America, and Tepper Sports & Entertainment to avoid working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during the May 31 Allstate Continental Clásico.
The match features the United States men’s national soccer team vs the Senegal national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Groups behind the push include:
- Action NC
- Carolina Migrant Network
- Jewish Voice for Peace Charlotte
- Charlotte Metro Democratic Socialists of America
- Charlotte Housing Justice Coalition
The coalition argued immigration enforcement near games could discourage attendance and hurt the economic benefits expected from World Cup events.
Charlotte is one of 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could draw up to 10 million visitors nationwide.
The groups pointed to a February ICE statement saying agents would play a “key part” in World Cup security operations.
Advocates also referenced a travel advisory signed by more than 120 civil society organizations warning visitors about possible detention, racial profiling, invasive searches, and protest suppression during tournament events.
The coalition additionally cited DHS data claiming more than 66% of individuals arrested during “Operation Charlotte’s Web” reportedly had no violent criminal record.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether immigration agents will play any role at the Charlotte match.
