Haitian-Americans Fear ICE Enforcement, Skipping World Cup Joy

Haiti's return to the World Cup after 52 years should be a moment of national pride, but for Haitian-Americans like Emile, a truck driver in Ohio, it is a source of anxiety. Due to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, he fears attending matches. "I don't want to be arrested by ICE," he told AFP, noting that his lawyer advised him against flying. Immigration advocates report that ICE's aggressive tactics have created a climate of fear, affecting not only undocumented immigrants but also those with protected status. With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the hostile environment poses a significant barrier for immigrant communities to participate in the global event.