Concern over Mexico’s Gold Cup opener amid LA Disturbances

Mexico’s opening fixture in the CONCACAF Gold Cup—set for Saturday against the Dominican Republic—has become the focus of concern as unrest continues in Los Angeles.

The host city has seen five consecutive days of demonstrations after U.S. President Donald Trump launched a fresh wave of immigration raids. Hundreds have reportedly been detained across the city. In response, CONCACAF confirmed it is in “close and ongoing communication with local authorities regarding the evolving situation.”

Security concerns have already disrupted the Mexican squad’s preparations. According to the Associated Press, the team was relocated to a different hotel for safety purposes.

Set to be staged at Sofi Stadium, the match is part of a wider fixtures list in the region. On Sunday, Pasadena’s Rose Bowl will see the start of FIFA Club World Cup action, when Paris Saint-Germain meet Atletico Madrid. That stadium will also host Inter Milan against CF Monterrey next week.

Football Supporters Europe (FSE) told BBC Sport it is “deeply concerned” over the handling of public order in the U.S., adding: “The current policing approach in the US is wholly unfit for international sporting events. The continued use of excessive force against peaceful protestors is especially alarming. Fifa must act now.

“It has a responsibility to use its influence to ensure that the human rights and civil liberties of all attending fans are protected and respected.”

In a statement, CONCACAF said: “The safety and wellbeing of all participants, fans, and stakeholders is the Confederation’s highest priority. We will continue to actively monitor developments as we work towards delivering a world-class tournament that highlights the best of our sport in a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all.”

The protests began in response to ICE raids in Latino communities, with federal officers accused of detaining dozens in single-day actions. Though much of the protest movement has remained peaceful, downtown LA has been declared an “unlawful assembly” area following reports of property damage and vehicles set alight. Mayor Karen Bass has issued a curfew over part of the city center.

President Trump’s decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines has drawn heavy criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called his actions an “assault” on democracy. Trump claimed the deployments were necessary “to prevent the city being conquered by a foreign enemy.”

The unrest started shortly after Trump signed a sweeping travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries, including Haiti, a Gold Cup participant. This order also includes partial restrictions on seven more nations. It contains exemptions for events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, though it’s unclear whether the Gold Cup or Club World Cup benefit from that clause.

Andrea Florence from the Sport & Rights Alliance said: “If sport governing bodies turn a blind eye to the escalating rights violations in the US, sporting events risk not only reflecting those abuses—but actively deepening them.”

She added: “In LA, where major football matches are about to take place, protesters are being criminalised, journalists unlawfully targeted, and immigrant communities subjected to enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention.”

Across the city, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed 338 arrests since Friday. While protests have mainly remained within smaller districts—including Westlake and Paramount—clashes have erupted around key locations like the federal building downtown. Federal authorities said over 1,000 demonstrators tried to storm the building over the weekend.

So far, no fatalities have been reported in connection with the protests.

FIFA, CONCACAF, and local officials have been approached for further comment.