New Delhi: Human Rights Watch (HRW), in a report published on Monday, urged FIFA to press the US government to implement an “ICE Truce” during this year’s FIFA World Cup 2026, calling for a public commitment to suspend immigration enforcement at matches and related venues.
The 2026 World Cup – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been central to the strict immigration policies implemented under President Trump.
Rights groups argue that these measures have led to violations of civil liberties, including free speech and due process rights, while also creating an atmosphere of fear, particularly among minority communities. The administration, however, maintains that the policies are necessary for national security and controlling illegal immigration.
“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers,” HRW said. “One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce’…
“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) and his FIFA colleagues should use their leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games,” it added.
“Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech.”
Olympic Truce
The proposal draws inspiration from the “Olympic Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states would temporarily halt conflicts to allow athletes and spectators to travel safely to the Games.
“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told. reuters.
“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners.
“President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that.”
Concerns intensified on Thursday after advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors to the US during the World Cup could face risks such as arbitrary detention, deportation, or other rights violations.
The advisory cautioned that fans, players, journalists, and tourists might encounter racial profiling, electronic device searches, or harsh inhuman treatments if detained under immigration enforcement.
These warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International, which said the tournament risks falling short of the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) also said it had sought out clarification from FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the nomination, judges, terms of reference, and selection process for the organization’s inaugural peace prize.
The prize was awarded to Donald Trump in December, with FIFA citing it recognized his efforts to encourage dialogue and ease tensions in conflict-affected regions worldwide.
“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.
(DD News)
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