Father of three seized by ICE at FIFA match last summer warns immigrant fans of danger
Summary
Manuel, a Latin American asylum seeker, was arrested by ICE at a soccer match in New Jersey in July 2025 while attending a FIFA game with his sons. He was detained because his asylum application had been canceled, and he has since been separated from his family for nearly a year. His case highlights the risks immigrant fans face during events with tight security, especially under the Trump administration’s immigration rules.Key Facts
- Manuel attended a FIFA Club World Cup Final match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with two of his sons in July 2025.
- He attempted to fly a recreational drone at the stadium but was stopped because the area was a no-fly zone due to President Donald Trump’s security.
- Security agents quickly arrested Manuel and took him inside the stadium.
- ICE agents detained Manuel after checking his immigration status and learning his asylum case was closed a month earlier.
- Manuel and his family claim they were not notified about the closure of his asylum case and that he was denied legal rights during detention.
- Manuel’s wife states that he was pressured to sign documents he did not understand and was not allowed to contact his lawyer.
- Human Rights Watch has warned about the risk of immigrant fans being targeted or separated from families at events with increased security measures.
- The incident occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement policies introduced during President Trump’s administration.
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