LOS ANGELES — Immigrant rights advocates and labor groups rallied outside FIFA's Los Angeles World Cup offices on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to demand changes to worker credentialing policies they say violate privacy protections and could facilitate immigration enforcement. The coalition, which includes UNITE HERE Local 11, CHIRLA, LAANE, CLUE, the Fair Games Coalition, the California Immigrant Policy Center, Nikkei Progressives, and Jobs to Move America, alleges that FIFA’s accreditation process for SoFi Stadium workers requires employees to submit sensitive personal information—including Social Security numbers, home addresses, nationality, and country of birth—while waiving rights guaranteed under California privacy law.

The groups fear the collected data could be shared with federal immigration authorities through the Department of Homeland Security. They are calling on FIFA to stop requiring workers to waive California privacy protections, end any sharing of worker information with DHS or ICE, and provide transparency about data storage and usage. The ACLU of Southern California, UNITE HERE Local 11, and LAANE have filed a formal complaint with the California Privacy Protection Agency and the California Department of Justice requesting an investigation.

Christine Bolaños, communications director at Workers Defense Action Fund, said: 'We know that soccer is something many in the Latino immigrant community grew up playing or watching. These games are meant to bring people together, and we want fans to know the risks and be prepared for encounters.' Organizers also urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta to immediately investigate FIFA’s accreditation process for alleged violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act and constitutional privacy rights.

Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, said: 'The Department of Homeland Security is working around the clock with federal, state, local and international partners to ensure a safe and secure environment for players, fans and communities hosting these events. The safety and security of the American people and the millions of visitors attending these events remain our highest priority.' Gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer joined SoFi Stadium workers at a separate rally in Inglewood, saying: 'Together with UNITE HERE, I am calling on FIFA and 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.' FIFA did not respond to a request for comment.