Charlotte Advocacy Groups Urge No ICE Presence at Soccer Match to Avoid Attendance Deterrence
Several advocacy groups in Charlotte, including Action NC and the Carolina Migrant Network, are urging officials at Bank of America Stadium, FIFA, and local law enforcement to ensure that immigration agents are not present at an upcoming international soccer match. The match, a friendly between the U.S. and Senegal, is expected to attract a large international audience. The groups express concerns that the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection agents could create an atmosphere of fear, potentially discouraging attendance and negatively impacting local businesses. This call to action follows ICE's announcement that its agents would be involved in security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising fears of heightened immigration enforcement. 
