5 things immigrants should do before heading to a World Cup watch party

This year’s World Cup has been marked by challenges, including high ticket prices, limited transportation options in host cities and visa issues affecting both fans and players. Those obstacles have left thousands of soccer enthusiasts unable to attend matches in person, prompting many to host or attend watch parties instead.

The tournament is also unfolding amid an aggressive push by the Trump administration to detain, denaturalize and deport immigrants.

As soccer fans gather across the country to celebrate the start of the World Cup, here are five tips for immigrants attending a watch party.

Save important documents to your digital wallet and bring identification if appropriate

Before leaving home, make sure important documents are easy to access.

Depending on your immigration status, keep digital copies of important documents in a secure digital wallet or cloud-based account. If appropriate, bring identification or original documents with you.

Keep the contact information of an immigration attorney or legal hotline

Before game day, identify an immigration attorney, legal aid provider or trusted legal hotline you can contact if needed.

Save the number in your phone and consider writing it down somewhere accessible in case your phone is lost, damaged or unavailable.

Designate an emergency contact before attending a watch party

Choose a trusted relative or friend who knows where you’ll be and how to reach you.

Share your location, contact information and any details that may be important in an emergency. Parents may also want to ensure trusted caregivers have updated information about their children.

Make sure your emergency contact knows what to do if you’re detained

One trusted person should know how to respond if you’re taken into immigration custody.

That may include knowing how to use ICE’s online detainee locator, understanding where important documents are stored and having the contact information for an attorney or legal service provider. Families may also want to discuss plans for child care or other responsibilities ahead of time.

Stay calm during any interaction with immigration officers or law enforcement

Being approached by law enforcement or immigration officers can be stressful, but advocates emphasize the importance of remaining calm.

Do not run, argue, resist or provide false information. Staying calm can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights during an encounter.

For additional Know Your Rights information and immigrant resources, visit the National Immigrant Justice Center at immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/.

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