Immigrants' rights activists call out treatment of World Cup athletes, staff at O'Hare

NBC Chicago ^ | 6/9 | Christian Farr

[nickcarraway]

"We're shocked and disgusted at the treatment of World Cup teams and officials by this administration over the last few days,” said Muhammad Sankari, with the Arab American

Immigrants' rights activists gathered Tuesday and accused the Trump administration of unfairly targeting athletes, staff and officials from several counties as they enter the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup 2026, including at Chicago's O'Hare Airport.

At a press conference led by the Arab American Action Network, activists put a spotlight on problems that World Cup players and staff have experienced in the days leading up to the massive event that is set to start on June 11.

Though no official World Cup games are taking place in the Windy City, several teams flew into Chicago this week to compete in friendly matches --- including the Iraqi National Team, who is set to play Venezuela in Bridgeview on Tuesday night.

"We're shocked and disgusted at the treatment of World Cup teams and officials by this administration over the last few days,” said Muhammad Sankari, with the Arab American Action Network. "We saw some really disgusting, horrific treatment right here in Chicago of the Iraqi national team. They had their official photographer turned away, they had their star striker detained for seven hours at O'Hare."

According to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, two travelers with the Iraqi National Team "underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility," after which only one of the two was admitted to the U.S.

"The second traveler, a photographer and NOT a player on the team, was determined to be inadmissible and was denied entry due to classified information in accordance with U.S. law," CPB said in a statement. “All travelers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection and vetting. Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law.”

The press conference also highlighted the treatment of the Iranian team, and Sankari also referenced videos that allegedly show members of the Senegalese National Team were taken off the plane and searched on the tarmac upon entering the United States.

"The restrictions put on the Iranian national team are that they are forced to enter and exit the United States the very same day of all of their games," Sankari said.

In addition to chaos surrounding the team's entry to the U.S., the Iranian national soccer federation also claimed Tuesday that FIFA revoked the ticket allocation for fans at the team’s three group-stage games in the United States.

Sankari called for a moratorium on ICE activity during the World Cup at the press conference.

"We're demanding that no ice in stadiums, no ice in the perimeter of stadiums, and a moratorium on ice activity during the World Cup," he said.

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KEYWORDS:

[fhayek]

I am so over Fifi soccer. Just get it over with already.

[Lurker]

Throw them all out.

Every last one.

L

[hole_n_one]

We're shocked and disgusted at the treatment of World Cup teams and officials by this administration over the last few days,” said Muhammad Sankari, with the Arab American Action Network.

Well Muhammad, we’re shocked and disgusted when you and your ilk fly planes into our buildings.

Deal with it…

or better yet, just leave and don’t come back.

[Salvavida]

Perfect answer.

[Nateman]

Rights are for actual American citizens. If it was not so how could we go to war against foreign countries? War does not respect life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.