Unite Here Local 11, representing approximately 2,000 food service workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, has called for FIFA to ensure that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is excluded from World Cup operations. The union has warned of a potential strike if their demands are not addressed, which include a commitment to worker protections, support for affordable housing, and assurances against the use of artificial intelligence and automation that could threaten union jobs. The acting director of the Department of Homeland Security, Todd Lyons, indicated that ICE would play a significant role during the tournament, raising concerns among workers regarding safety. The union is advocating for broader housing support measures in the Los Angeles area, linking their labor demands to the high cost of living. Kurt Petersen, co-president of Local 11, criticized FIFA and its corporate sponsors for profiting from the event while neglecting the workers who facilitate it. As the World Cup approaches, with the first match scheduled for June 12, 2026, the union claims it has been ignored in its attempts to engage with FIFA.