Concacaf has announced that it remains in close and ongoing communication with local authorities, host venues, and participating national teams regarding the evolving situation in Los Angeles. This comes ahead of the opening match of the Gold Cup at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, where Mexico will face the Dominican Republic.

Safety Measures Amid Protests

Los Angeles has experienced five days of protests and hundreds of arrests following US President Donald Trump's immigration raids. In response, LA Mayor Karen Bass has declared an overnight curfew in a relatively small area of the city's downtown district to curb vandalism and looting.

Impact on Upcoming Matches

In addition to the Gold Cup, Los Angeles is set to host the first of six Club World Cup matches at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, starting with Paris St-Germain versus Atletico Madrid on Sunday. The Mexico team has already relocated its hotel in LA due to safety concerns amid the disturbances.

Concerns from Fans and Organizations

The Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has expressed deep concerns about the current policing approach in the US, particularly the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters. They have called on FIFA to ensure the protection of human rights and civil liberties for all attending fans.

Statements from Concacaf

Concacaf emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of all participants, fans, and stakeholders are its highest priority. The organization is actively monitoring developments to deliver a world-class tournament in a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment.

Immigration Raids and Protests

The protests began last Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted raids in areas with prominent Latino populations. Recent operations have led to the arrest of 44 unauthorized immigrants in a single job site and 77 others in the greater LA area.

Conclusion

As Los Angeles prepares to host major football events, the collaboration between Concacaf and local authorities aims to address safety concerns and ensure the smooth running of the Gold Cup and Club World Cup amidst ongoing protests.