Gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer joined SoFi Stadium workers and labor advocates Monday at a rally in Inglewood calling for federal officials to investigate FIFA security policies ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The event was organized by Unite Here Local 11, the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy and the Fair Games Coalition ahead of labor negotiations involving cooks, bartenders, dishwashers, servers and cashiers who work at the stadium.
“This summer’s World Cup should be an opportunity to show the world what makes California special — not a way for the rich to get richer on the backs of working Californians who are being priced out of their communities and terrorized by ICE,” Steyer said in a statement Monday.
“Together with UNITE HERE, I am calling on FIFA and (stadium owner) Kroenke Sports & Entertainment to publicly commit that ICE will play no role in the 2026 World Cup, that workers will receive fair wages and safe working conditions, and that organizers will help fund affordable workforce housing for the people who make these events possible.”
Advocates also called on Attorney General Rob Bonta to immediately investigate FIFA’s accreditation process following a complaint filed last week alleging the policy violates the California Consumer Privacy Act and constitutional privacy protections for workers.
“We are seriously concerned that FIFA will hand over our most sensitive personal information and waive our rights under California law, or lose our job working the World Cup,” said Yolanda Fierro, a worker at Sofi Stadium and member of Unite Here Local 11. “We will not give FIFA the opportunity to share our data with any third party, including ICE and foreign countries’ intelligence agencies.”
FIFA and the Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee did not respond to requests for comment.
Union officials cited comments from Acting Department of Homeland Security Director Todd Lyons indicating Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers would play a “key part” in security operations during the tournament.
Local 11 also raised concerns about subcontracted labor at SoFi Stadium, saying FIFA’s hospitality partner On Location was inserted into food and beverage operations without notice to the union.
The labor group said it is seeking guarantees that automation or artificial intelligence technology will not displace union jobs during the World Cup.
The union is additionally urging FIFA and stadium ownership to support affordable housing initiatives for hospitality workers in Inglewood and the surrounding area.
The dispute follows earlier warnings from Unite Here Local 11 that stadium workers could strike over labor conditions and immigration enforcement concerns tied to the World Cup.