Religious leaders in a town hosting the England World Cup headquarters are concerned about potential targeting by anti-immigrant ICE squads during the tournament. They anticipate an increased presence of agents linked to Donald Trump, particularly with the England team staying at the Inn at Meadowbrook hotel in Johnson County, near Kansas City. To address these fears, local churches and organizations gathered for a rally ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Carolyne Muriu, representing Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation, expressed the community’s shift from anticipation to anxiety, stating the need for self-protection measures. Rabbi Moti Rieber from the Kansas Interfaith Action emphasized the importance of public awareness and unity among faith-based groups to support immigrants as integral members of society.
As the Thomas Tuchel-led squad prepares to arrive in Kansas for the tournament, local authorities aim to showcase the positive aspects of their region without disruptions from potential ICE activities. With ICE’s nationwide operations targeting undocumented immigrants creating widespread fear and incidents, including fatalities in custody, the community in Johnston County remains vigilant.
The recent rally witnessed a strong turnout, drawing praise from social justice advocates like Saaliha Khan, who highlighted the diverse representation as a source of hope for the future. The message conveyed was one of solidarity and support for immigrant communities, emphasizing the shared commitment to justice and compassion amidst prevailing fears.
The upcoming World Cup, set to feature debut appearances by nations like Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, and Jordan, will kick off in the US, Canada, and Mexico on June 10th, culminating in the final match in New York City on July 19th.
