Amnesty, ACLU issue warning on US travel ahead of World Cup

Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Thursday warned foreign citizens about travel to the U.S. during the FIFA World Cup due to the Trump administration’s deportation agenda.

The two organizations joined roughly 120 human rights organizations in warning that “fans, players, journalists and other visitors … could be at risk of serious violations as the Trump administration doubles down on its draconian immigration and anti-human rights agenda.”

“While the Trump administration’s rising authoritarianism and increasing violence pose serious risks to all, those from immigrant communities, racial and ethnic minority groups, and LGBTQ+ individuals have been and continue to be disproportionately targeted and affected by the administration’s policies and, as such are most vulnerable to serious harm when traveling to and/or within the United States,” the travel advisory reads.

The advisory warns of denial of entry for citizens of certain countries that are barred from entering the U.S., including Afghanistan, Burma, Iran, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. It also warns of “invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices,” along with “violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement, including racial profiling and other discrimination by law enforcement.”

“Law enforcement officers have intimidated, harassed, and used force against protesters in retaliation for their protected speech activity, including against protesters observing unlawful immigration enforcement,” the warning reads.

This section of the travel advisory likely refers to the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in January. Both were killed while challenging federal immigration operations in Minneapolis during two separate incidents.

“Additionally, as highlighted by over 90 civil society organizations in a July 2025 letter to FIFA, individuals who express political opinions that diverge from those of the current administration, including activism in support of Palestinian rights, continue to be at risk of arbitrary detention and deportation,” the groups warn.

The groups also warn of “serious risk of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and in some cases, death, while in immigration detention facilities or custody.”

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told USA Today that the Trump administration is working to ensure that the World Cup is the “safest and most secure in history.” He added that “no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that.”

There will be World Cup games in 11 different U.S. cities, including cities that have seen immigration crackdowns since the start of President Trump’s second term like Los Angeles.

“If the U.S. government and host cities cannot guarantee the rights and safety of all, this tournament risks falling far short of FIFA’s promise of a safe, welcoming, and inclusive event, for traveling fans, journalists, players and people already living in the U.S. alike,” Amnesty International USA’s Americas Advocacy Director Daniel Noroña said in a statement.

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