ICE presence at World Cup gets cold reception from Seattle protesters

Joseph O’Sullivan, The Seattle Times on Jun 14, 2026

Published in Soccer

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SEATTLE — The World Cup is bringing much to Seattle: visitors from near and far, a spotlight on the world stage, six games at Lumen Field — and federal immigration agents.

That last item spurred 50 people to Judkins Park Sunday for a rally of singing and speeches against the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the region.

Attendees listened to a cappella protest songs and speeches; one person waved an oversized flag that read: “ICE OUT NOW.”

As she stood in Judkins Park waiting to speak, Eunice How, a lead organizer for Unite Here Local 8, said she worried agents could use the games to round up local workers.

“We see what’s happened in Minneapolis and Los Angeles and Chicago, around the country, and we’re worried,” How said.

The union represents 9,000 hospitality and hotels workers in Oregon and Washington, and recently authorized a strike at the Embassy Suites Hilton Hotel, located near Lumen Field, according to How. As they negotiate a new contract, workers are asking for among other things, to have protections from ICE added into their contract, How said.

In February, the then-director of ICE confirmed the agency would be involved in the soccer tournament, calling them “a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup.”

The director at the time didn’t say how many more agents would be in Seattle and what their roles would be, and ICE last week didn’t respond to those questions.

A new statement from ICE, which is under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said the agency would work “with our local and federal partners to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup — in line with federal law the U.S. Constitution — as we do with every major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the entire world. Our mission is simple: ensure every fan — Americans and visitors alike — has a safe and unforgettable experience.”

“International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the U.S. — full stop,” according to the statement. “Speculation to the contrary is ill-informed.”

When the news of ICE’s presence was announced in February, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay directed the King County sheriff’s office to inform the public of local law enforcement’s responsibilities and how to differentiate county deputies from federal immigration agents. That webpage is now live and includes text in 17 different languages.

Kathleen Carson, president of Seattle Indivisible, said the group showed up out of solidarity for immigrants.

“We’re concerned that this is a cover for additional enforcements, it’s already been used to justify maintaining surveillance infrastructure that there’s otherwise substantial opposition to,” said Carson, referring to surveillance cameras activated by Mayor Katie Wilson in the stadium district, after a protracted debate over their potential for abuse.

Carson said she’s also concerned that federal agents could wind up staying.

Said Carson: “We’re watching.”

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