Mexican Soccer Team Switches Hotels in LA Over Safety Fears

MEXICO CITY, June 11 — Due to security worries related to the ongoing protests against immigration crackdowns in Los Angeles, the Mexican national soccer team has decided to switch hotels before their upcoming Gold Cup game this Saturday. This information was shared by a team spokesperson on Tuesday.

Mexico will start its campaign in the regional competition against the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, according to AP.

The squad was initially booked at a hotel in downtown Los Angeles; however, according to Mexican team spokesperson Fernando Schwartz, CONCACAF has permitted them to switch to another unspecified accommodation.

CONCACAF, the organization overseeing soccer in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, hasn’t issued an official statement yet.

The demonstrations started on Friday in downtown Los Angeles following arrests of over 40 individuals by federal immigration officials throughout the city. By Sunday, protesters had obstructed a principal highway and ignited autonomous vehicles as law enforcement countered with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades.

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On Monday, President Donald Trump directed an additional deployment of 2,000 National Guard members alongside 700 Marines to Los Angeles.

Mexican coach Javier Aguirre was hesitant to discuss the demonstrations during a press briefing on Monday in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, ahead of their planned friendly match against Turkey set for Tuesday.

“I’m not planning to discuss Los Angeles; as I mentioned before, no. Our focus is on sports,” Aguirre stated. “At present, I am unable to articulate my thoughts. We have an upcoming game with Turkey, and I lack any specific details. All I know comes from what appears on TV. Being so far away, I find it challenging to convey my views.”

Following their game against the Dominican Republic, Mexico will head to Arlington, Texas, for a matchup with Suriname before concluding the initial stage of the competition against Costa Rica in Las Vegas.