Fri Jun 20 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Sheinbaum Urges U.S. to Halt Immigration Enforcement at Gold Cup Match

**Mexico City, Mexico -** Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly called on U.S. authorities to refrain from conducting immigration enforcement activities targeting attendees of the upcoming Gold Cup soccer match between Mexico and the Dominican Republic in Inglewood, California. Her plea comes amidst heightened concerns following recent immigration raids in the Los Angeles area targeting undocumented migrants.

“We don’t believe that at any soccer match there will be any [immigration] action. … We call for none to be taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” Sheinbaum stated during a press conference Friday.

The request follows a now-deleted social media post from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) promising a strong presence at upcoming Club World Cup soccer matches, raising fears of increased immigration enforcement at sporting events.

While CBP has stated its commitment to providing security at large sporting events, emphasizing its role in ensuring the safety of attendees, Sheinbaum remains concerned. The agency told The Associated Press that its mission remains unchanged, as they regularly provide security at big sporting events, including the Super Bowl.

Despite the concerns, Sheinbaum indicated she still advises fans to attend Saturday’s match at SoFi Stadium, highlighting that Mexican consulates in the U.S. have established protocols to provide assistance to any citizens who may be detained. “This campaign we are carrying out through the consulates will provide all the information on what to do if detained, as well as ongoing contact with families,” she explained.

Sheinbaum also addressed social media images of demonstrators in Los Angeles holding Mexican flags, dismissing them as potential provocations and reiterating Mexico’s commitment to peace. “Mexico will always promote peace,” she said, emphasizing the hardworking nature of Mexican nationals in the U.S.

The Mexican national team’s games typically draw large crowds in Southern California. Concerns over safety have led the team to relocate their hotel from downtown to Long Beach earlier this week. The team will continue its Gold Cup campaign with matches in Arlington, Texas, and Las Vegas.

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