Deleted federal social media post about security role raises questions ahead of weekend matches at Bank of America Stadium
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β As CharlotteΒ prepares to host four FIFA Club World Cup matches starting Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, uncertainty about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence is raising concerns among community members and elected officials.
The questions stem from a now-deleted social media post by U.S. Customs and Border Protection earlier this month. The federal agency initially posted that it would be “suited and booted ready to provide security for the first round of games,” but later removed the message without explanation.
The potential for federal immigration enforcement at the international soccer tournament has drawn criticism from state lawmakers.
“It gives me a lot of concern about the attendees, who largely will be coming from a variety of countries around the world,” Jordan Lopez, a North Carolina State Representative for Mecklenburg County, said.
Lopez expressed broader concerns about the timing of enhanced immigration enforcement during an international sporting event.
“Soccer is an internationally renowned sport, and I’m excited for it to be coming to the Queen City, but under the context of this administration, it does give me pause, because I wonder, what are their thoughts as they see what’s unfolding in the United States right now?” Lopez said.
The uncertainty has created mixed emotions among Charlotte soccer fans, including those planning to attend Sunday’s match.
Jorge Gonzales, who plans to attend the FIFA Club World Cup game, acknowledged the difficult position facing some community members.
“Soccer is very embedded into the Latin community, and it’s tough because there are people that want to see, you know, their team play, but they have to be careful,” Gonzales said.
Community advocates are emphasizing the importance of allowing people to enjoy the international tournament without fear of immigration enforcement.
Rusty Price, founder and CEO of Camino, expressed concern about the broader implications for Charlotte’s economy and community.
“I’m very saddened by what I see how we’re dealing with immigration right now in that general sense, and I’m hoping that this isn’t going to hurt the economy of Charlotte, which affects all of us, right, just as a tactic to scare people,” Price said.
The deleted social media post has left many questions unanswered about specific security arrangements for the weekend matches. Federal agencies have not provided clarity on their roles in tournament security.
WCNC Charlotte reached out to both ICE and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for information about security measures, but neither agency has responded to requests for comment.
The FIFA Club World Cup represents a significant international sporting event for Charlotte, with the city set to host four matches total during the tournament. The games are expected to draw visitors from around the world to Bank of America Stadium.
Soccer holds particular cultural significance in many immigrant communities, making the potential for enforcement at the games especially concerning for some residents and advocates.
The situation highlights the challenge of balancing security needs at large international events with community concerns about immigration enforcement tactics.
Charlotte officials have promoted the FIFA Club World Cup as an opportunity to showcase the city on an international stage, but the uncertainty around federal enforcement presence has complicated those efforts.
The tournament is scheduled to begin Sunday, with Charlotte serving as one of several host cities for the prestigious international soccer competition. Spain’s Real Madrid faces off against Mexico’s C.F. Pachuca at 3 p.m.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.