The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring millions of visitors to the United States and generate increased demand for services in host cities. For many domestic workers, this could mean more job opportunities cleaning short-term rental properties, caring for children during school breaks, or assisting families hosting guests during the tournament.
However, the World Cup will also take place at a time of growing concern among immigrant communities. Civil rights organizations and community groups have warned about an increase in immigration raids, the expansion of agreements between local authorities and ICE, and uncertainty regarding the immigration agency’s role during the event.
For this reason, immigrant rights advocates recommend that those planning to work during the World Cup know their rights and prepare in advance.
Concerns About ICE During the World Cup
With just a few weeks to go before the tournament begins, community organizations in the host cities have stepped up training on constitutional rights, rapid-response networks, and emergency plans for immigrant families.
The concern stems, in part, from conflicting messages issued by federal officials regarding ICE’s presence during the World Cup.
While some representatives of the Trump administration have indicated that the agency will participate in security efforts related to preventing human trafficking and the sale of counterfeit goods, immigrant advocacy organizations fear that the presence of immigration agents could extend to other areas surrounding the events.
This concern has also spurred campaigns such as No ICE in the Cup (No ICE at the World Cup), backed by community organizations, unions, and human rights groups calling for World Cup-related events to take place without immigration raids.
What does this mean for immigrant domestic workers?
The World Cup could represent a significant economic opportunity for thousands of domestic workers.
During events of this magnitude, there is typically an increase in demand for:
- Cleaning temporary rental homes.
- Cleaning homes hosting family members or visitors.
- Childcare during school vacations.
- Additional support in households where employers will be traveling or participating in tournament-related activities.
However, these opportunities have also raised concerns among labor organizations. In Miami, union leaders and community groups have warned that many of the employment opportunities linked to the tournament could be managed through temporary agencies and subcontracting chains.
Katherine Passley, co-director of Beyond the Bars, warned that this model can open the door to wage theft and other labor violations, so she recommends that workers verify who their employer will be and keep evidence of their employment agreements.
Taking on more work may also mean moving to new areas, working in areas with a heavy security presence, or traveling between cities to fill temporary jobs.
What to Do Before Accepting Jobs Related to the World Cup
Before accepting temporary jobs during the tournament, experts recommend taking some basic precautions.
- Check who your employer will be: If the job is offered through an agency, an app, or a cleaning company, make sure to identify who will be responsible for paying you and supervising your work.
- Keep records of your agreements: Save text messages, emails, contracts, or any other communication related to the job.
- Keep track of your hours: Write down the days, times, and tasks performed so you have evidence in case of payment issues.
- Share information with family members: Let a trusted person know where you will be working, how to get there, and what your schedule will be.
- Keep important documents handy: Store copies of relevant documents and emergency phone numbers in a safe place.
Know your rights if you encounter ICE
Immigration lawyers remind everyone that all people in the United States have constitutional rights, regardless of their immigration status.
Jennefer Canales-Pelaez, an attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), has pointed out that the most important right is the right to remain silent.
“Everyone in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, has rights under the Constitution,” the attorney told El País.
If an agent from ICE or another federal agency approaches you, the National Immigration Project recommends:
- Stay calm.
- Ask: “Am I free to go?”
- If the answer is yes, leave calmly.
- Do not answer questions about your immigration status if you do not wish to.
- Do not sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer.
- Do not present false documents.
- Seek legal assistance if you are detained.
If you need to travel for work
Some workers may travel between cities or cover long distances to take on jobs related to the World Cup.
The National Immigration Project recommends that immigrants familiarize themselves with the laws of the state where they will be working and carry valid documentation with them when required.
If you’re driving
- Obey traffic laws.
- Make sure your vehicle’s lights and registration are up to date.
- Carry the required documentation with you.
- Avoid carrying forged or expired documents.
If you’re traveling by airplane
- Arrive at the airport with extra time to spare.
- Keep your documents organized.
- Know your rights if you’re questioned by federal agents.
You can read more about this topic in the article What Immigrants Should Know Before Flying in the United States
If you will be using buses or trains
- Stay calm if you encounter checkpoints or inspections.
- Remember that you have the right to remain silent.
Prepare an emergency plan
Community organizations in several host cities agree that the best preparation begins before an emergency occurs.
A family plan may include:
- The phone number of an immigration lawyer.
- Emergency contacts.
- Copies of important documents.
- Instructions for family members or caregivers.
- A “Know Your Rights” card.
- A plan for the care of children or dependent family members in the event of a detention
Community groups in cities such as Dallas, Miami, Seattle, and Philadelphia have strengthened rapid-response networks specifically to help families prepare before a crisis occurs.
Where to Find Help
If you need legal guidance or immigration-related support during the World Cup, these organizations can help you:
New York and New Jersey
- New York State New Americans Hotline: 1-800-566-7636, press 2 for Spanish
- Action NYC at Catholic Charities: 1-800-354-0365, press 2 for Spanish
- New Jersey Rapid Response Hotline: 1-888-347-3767 in Spanish
Florida
- Immigrant Coalition Support Line: 1-888-600-5762, press 3 for Spanish.
California
- CHIRLA: 1-888-624-4752, in Spanish
Texas
- Texas Immigrant Rights Hotline (ACLU): 888-653-6498, press 6 for Spanish
- RAÍCES (Central and South Texas): 1-833-372-4237 press 2 for Spanish
Washington
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network: 1-844-724-3737, in Spanish.
Editor’s note: This article was originally written in Spanish and translated into English.
