On June 14, 2025, protests erupted outside SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, during the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between Mexico and the Dominican Republic, fueled by tensions over U.S. immigration enforcement policies. The demonstrations were part of a broader wave of unrest in Los Angeles, sparked by a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting Latino communities, with over 100 people detained in areas like LA’s fashion district and Home Depot parking lots. Protesters, including members of the Mexican national team’s supporter group “Pancho Villa’s Army,” expressed anger over the raids, with some choosing not to attend the game in solidarity. A notable “Abolish ICE” banner was displayed by Mexico fans behind the goal, reflecting opposition to U.S. immigration policies.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged U.S. authorities to refrain from conducting ICE raids during the match, emphasizing the safety of attendees, and Mexican consulates launched an information campaign to support those at risk of detention. The atmosphere at the game was subdued, with only 54,309 fans attending—lower than the typical 70,000 for Mexico’s matches in the region—due to fears of potential enforcement actions. Some protests turned violent, with reports of cars set on fire and a freeway blocked, prompting the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, escalating tensions further.
The protests were part of a larger “No Kings Day” demonstration against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which included a travel ban and increased ICE operations. Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, called the federal response an “assault” on democracy, while Trump defended the troop deployment as necessary to maintain order. Despite the unrest, Mexico won the match 3-2, with goals from Edson Álvarez and Raúl Jiménez, though the immigration issue overshadowed the game. CONCACAF, the tournament’s governing body, monitored the situation closely, prioritizing safety while the Mexican team relocated to a hotel in Long Beach to avoid downtown clashes.
