Artists recruited for anti-ICE World Cup campaign
The campaign, called "No ICE in the Cup," is organized by The Horizons Project.
Pop Culture
A pro-democracy organizing group has launched a campaign calling on artists to create work opposing immigration enforcement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the United States prepares to co-host the tournament this summer with Canada and Mexico.
The Horizons Project, a U.S. pro-democracy organizing group that works with civic organizations and advocacy networks, announced the campaign last week.
Organizers said the campaign, called “No ICE in the Cup,” will include artwork, youth soccer tournaments, watch parties and community events in several World Cup host cities, along with programming in New York and Los Angeles.
The campaign is focused on concerns that immigration enforcement could deter immigrant communities and visiting fans from attending games, watch parties and other public events tied to the tournament.
Organizers said the effort will focus on Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Philadelphia, Miami and Seattle. Beyond artists, they are also seeking participation from small businesses, faith groups, unions, lawyers, veterans groups and community organizations.
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The campaign launched with work by Angel Faz of Dallas, Cristy Road of New York, Hana Natsuhara of Seattle, Ikemba Sahih El Shabazz of Kansas City, Shaina Lu of Boston and Tatiana Bell of Atlanta.
Paola Mendoza, the filmmaker, author and activist, is helping lead an art commission connected to the campaign. Organizers are inviting artists across the country to submit work inspired by the “No ICE in the Cup” message.
“The violence ICE has inflicted on immigrant communities has left millions of people feeling scared and alone, but this is precisely when artists must get to work,” Mendoza said in a statement.
“Artists can inspire people to organize against what they are afraid of. Art has the power to bring people together when fear pushes us into silos. When we connect the power of art with the love of soccer, the possibility to protect people and our democracy is unstoppable.”
A youth soccer tournament is planned for New York City at the end of the month, and organizers said they will provide materials for people who want to host similar events in their own communities.
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