Florida travel alert issued by rights groups ahead of World Cup, highlighting potential detention risks
A coalition of civil and human rights organizations announced a statewide travel alert for Florida on Friday in anticipation of this year’s World Cup soccer tournament.
International visitors were cautioned that enhanced immigration enforcement might heighten the likelihood of racial profiling, wrongful detention, and deportation.
The organizations advised tourists and visiting fans to “exercise extreme caution,” keep identification on hand at all times, and register their travel plans with their consulates prior to arrival.
Travelers have been urged to rethink their plans to visit the state until the issues of accountability and transparency in enforcement practices are resolved. “Florida is no longer a safe destination for international tourists,” stated Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, claiming that both visitors and residents may face detention without justification and could be targeted based on their appearance, language, or accent.
Florida tourism officials criticized the travel alert. “These ‘advisories’ are absurd and, regrettably, politically-driven actions that unnecessarily aim to damage our state and industry,” stated Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of the tourism group Visit Florida. “Lawful visitors to our state have no reason to be worried.” Florida welcomes hundreds of thousands of travelers daily and anticipates being a central location for World Cup celebrations for both residents and visitors,” he stated. “Guests can look forward to a pleasant, secure, and straightforward travel experience in Florida.”
The coalition highlighted reports from journalists and civil rights organizations detailing instances where U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and tourists were detained following routine interactions with law enforcement, such as traffic stops.
The organizations also reported instances of individuals being detained for prolonged durations with restricted access to legal representation or consular support. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the particular incidents mentioned in the advisory.
The coalition stated that Florida has enhanced collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities, enabling trained local officers to carry out specific immigration-enforcement duties.
Civil liberties advocates contend that these arrangements may result in the over-policing of immigrant communities, whereas supporters argue that the programs improve public safety.
The travel alert is issued as the United States gets ready to co-host the 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19. The event is anticipated to attract hundreds of thousands of international visitors across various host cities. Seven matches will take place in Miami.
The United States is collaborating with neighboring Canada and Mexico to co-host the expanded global tournament featuring 48 teams.
