Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called on U.S. immigration authorities to refrain from conducting enforcement actions during a Mexico vs. Dominican Republic soccer match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The request is made amid ongoing protests and curfews in the city. Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of peace and asked for no immigration actions during the match.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated it regularly provides security at major sporting events, including the FIFA Club World Cup 25 and the Super Bowl. The CBP clarified that its commitment remains unchanged and its operations are in line with its mission to ensure the safety of all participants.
Downtown Los Angeles remains under a curfew, with Los Angeles police making nearly 400 arrests and detentions since Saturday. The majority of these arrests were for failing to disperse, with a handful involving more serious charges such as assault against police officers, possession of a Molotov cocktail, and possession of a gun.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that several convicted criminals who are in the U.S. illegally were arrested as part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles on Monday and Tuesday. These operations triggered protests and riots in parts of the city, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops to protect federal immigration officers.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the ICE operations in Los Angeles have led to an increase in violent incidents, with some rioters reportedly fighting to protect criminal illegal aliens. She questioned how long Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass would continue to prioritize these individuals over the safety of their own citizens.