Florida Civil Rights Groups Issue Urgent Warning for World Cup 2026 Travelers
Immigrant activists, civil rights organizations, and local leaders across Florida have issued a stark safety alert for thousands of international travelers planning to visit the state for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The coalition warns that Florida's current conditions have become so concerning that visitors should seriously reconsider whether attending soccer matches justifies the potential risks of detention and imprisonment.
"Florida No Longer Safe for International Tourists"
Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, delivered a powerful statement in a recent news release that has garnered international attention. "Florida is no longer a safe destination for international tourists," Petit declared. "When federal and local agents can detain anyone at any time without cause and without identifying themselves, everyone is at risk."
The activist group emphasized that international visitors must carefully evaluate their travel plans. "International visitors must ask themselves if a soccer match is worth the risk of being kidnapped and jailed until God-knows-when, in deplorable conditions, by a secret police who is using racial profiling, judging people for how they look or their accent, and getting away with literal murder in the streets of our country," Petit continued. "Such is the state of affairs in the United States and in Florida. We urge the international community to be aware of the risks before setting foot in Florida."
Specific Safety Recommendations for Travelers
For those who still choose to visit Florida despite the warnings, the coalition has issued specific safety guidelines:
- Exercise extreme caution at all times
- Carry proper identification documents continuously
- Register travel plans with consular offices before arrival
The groups also noted that U.S. citizens are not immune to these dangers, citing multiple documented cases where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained American citizens.
Documented Cases of Tourist Detentions
According to the coalition's research, international tourists have experienced particularly troubling situations in recent years. "In the country, international tourists have had harrowing experiences as some have been jailed for over a month with no due process, little to no access to lawyers or their consulates, and in abhorrent and inhumane conditions," the news release detailed.
One particularly disturbing case involved a Mexican tourist who possessed a valid tourist visa and a confirmed return ticket to Mexico. During a routine traffic stop in Orlando, he was detained and transferred to a detention facility colloquially known as "Alligator Alcatraz." After his case attracted international media attention, he was eventually deported to Mexico while shackled inside the aircraft. The tourist later described the detention conditions as fundamentally inhumane.
World Cup Security Concerns
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching, significant questions remain about security protocols at tournament venues. U.S. authorities have not explicitly ruled out the possibility of ICE conducting operations targeting undocumented immigrants at World Cup stadiums and fan zones. This uncertainty has prompted growing concerns among international fan groups about spectator safety during the global sporting event.
The coalition's warning represents one of the most comprehensive travel advisories issued by domestic groups within the United States regarding an international sporting event. As World Cup preparations continue, these safety concerns are likely to influence travel decisions for thousands of international soccer fans planning their 2026 itineraries.
