Part one of this piece can be found in Heraldo USA #30, dated June 16, 2025.
BY: NORMA BORREGO PÉREZ ART: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
Story 2. Lupita: A Wonderful Way to Challenge Fate Lupita arrived in the United States with the support of her brother and sister-in-law. After her husband was killed in a fight back in the mountains of Puebla, she was left alone with two children (a girl and a boy), whom she tried to support in many ways. However, having dropped out of middle school, her situation was very difficult. She returned to her parents’ house and managed to find arduous, poorly paid jobs with long hours, while her children’s needs increased as they grew older.
After discussing this with her brother, they concluded that the best option was for her to travel to the United States. Her brother had crossed eight years earlier, and in their town, they already knew the pollero (smuggler) who worked with the community and was considered trustworthy.
The plan was for Lupita to arrive, and her brother would pay the pollero, and she would repay him once she had settled into a job. In the meantime, she would sleep on the living room couch and help with household chores and the care of her three nephews.
Filled with hope, she began preparing for the trip, which was scheduled in about three months.
Time passed and the day came.
Three other people from the village began the journey alongside Lupita. The first part — reaching the border — wasn’t difficult, but crossing to the other side was.
The first two attempts failed because they were spotted by Border Patrol. Only two young people from the group managed to escape, while Lupita was turned over to Mexican authorities at the border along with two other young women. But the pollero offered a guarantee: her brother would not pay until Lupita was delivered in the United States.
On the third attempt, they managed to cross. Several women and young men scattered upon reaching American soil, as each one had their own plan. Lupita was dropped off in the parking lot of a grocery store in Northern California, where her brother picked her up. She found work as a domestic worker in a wealthy household.
The salary wasn’t great, but at least everything was going according to plan.
The lady of the house had an autoimmune disease that caused her health to deteriorate gradually, and one of the main targets of her frustration over her condition was Lupita. Constant scolding, late payments, and unpaid overtime whenever there were guests
— Lupita endured it all to earn the money she needed to pay back her brother and send funds home,
The situation of Latina women in the United States is complex, and two recently published studies reveal the social and cultural pressures Latinas face, as well as how the gender pay gap remains unchanged.
since her mother was taking care of her children. Her salary was divided: a part for her brother, a part for her parents, and the bare minimum for herself (bus fare and lunch). When she got home, she continued working — cleaning at her brother’s house and preparing everything for the next day.
Lupita even had to teach the caregivers hired to help her employer — how the lady liked things done and how to do them: how to prepare the gelatin she liked, how to cook her food, how to make the bed, how to arrange her pillows.
This is shown in two surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center, published on May 14 and 15, which examine the pressures Latinas experience in multiple aspects of their lives. Despite more of them earning college degrees and increasing their participation in the labor market, the pay gap has not changed.
02 03
The research shows that about 63% of Latinas frequently face family or workrelated pressures, and nearly 7 out of 10 feel the need to perform household chores. Additionally, 62% feel pressure to maintain their appearance, and 56% feel pressured to get married and have children.
WOMEN
AT THE BORDER
Lupita had done it all, even if it wasn’t her job. “It’s this or go back to the village… and no… my kids need to study… and I have to pay my brother,” she would think as she completed her duties.
One day, while out at the mall with her brother and his family, a young man approached her, saying he had overheard them speaking Spanish and recognized the accent. He was also from Puebla. They introduced themselves, chatted for a while, and exchanged phone numbers. Before long, they were dating and moved in together. Despite her brother’s warnings, the relationship blossomed.
With the help of her partner — who had a permanent construction job — they paid off the pollero faster than expected, earning him full acceptance as a brother-in-law.
Over time, Lupita managed to save enough money to bring her eldest daughter to the United States. Once Inés (her daughter) finished middle school, the next goal was for everyone to keep working to bring the youngest son. Now, her daughter studies in the mornings and works as a cashier at a taco shop in the afternoons.
Meanwhile, Lupita now works as an independent housekeeper. She has several clients who value her, has learned some English, owns her own car, and even managed to make the down payment on a small apartment with her partner. She volunteers at the church and goes to Sunday Mass with her family. She has never stopped helping her parents. Her life is simple but fulfilling.
“The best part is that I can give my children a better future,” she concludes.
Thanks to her resilience, Lupita found a wonderful way to challenge the fate that had written her into a life stuck in the village, in her parents’ house, with no property of her own, and children with no education — a life meant to perpetuate generations of poverty in her family. Instead, she achieved what only a few of the men in her family had: to migrate and build a better life, despite all the obstacles she encountered — ones that nearly made her give up more than once.
miration at the new generations of Latinas and listen with pride as young girls switch effortlessly between English and Spanish to assist people in the different areas they oversee. Whether it’s at hospital receptions, clinics or nursing homes, schools, fast-food restaurants, or retail stores — their work ethic is impressive! Patient, attentive, and efficient, they approach with a smile and offer guidance to those lost in the maze of the overwhelming U.S. administrative system — most of them elderly people who don’t speak the language. They are also with children, reinforcing their mother tongue and helping them transition to English through letters, drawings, and songs. The principals of these schools, mostly Americans, struggle to master Spanish so they can understand what is being said and how to communicate with their Latino staff and students. Meanwhile, wealthier urban families are eager to hire Latina nannies to speak Spanish with their children, as Latinos are — and will continue to be — the new consumer base for most of their businesses, with increasing purchasing power. What was once considered a disadvantage and a source of shame — speaking Spanish (a language that was even deliberately erased in many first-generation Latino families) — has now become an asset thanks to the growing Latino population on this side. A quick glance at job listings is enough to see the now-standard requirement: Bilingual/Spanish. In fast-food chains, during grueling shifts, young people with Latino features — like a perfectly coordinated ant colony — serve customers with a smile, a bonus ingredient, for $16.50 an hour (in California). Confident and attentive, they handle the counter and drive-thru at once: charging customers, preparing food, taking to-go orders, giving instructions to coworkers, chatting and joking quietly in Spanish. But don’t be fooled by these young women — they’re usually in high school and/or applying to the college or university of their choice. They balance study and work, English and Spanish, hard labor and volunteer service*, with their feet on the ground and big dreams ahead. Their kind smile, which customers believe is for them, is — I’m certain — aimed at the future of the United States. I watch them as the daughters and granddaughters of the women who shared their stories with me. Now everything makes sense, I reflect, as I take a sip of the drink ordered, smile, say thank you, and walk away.
*Volunteer work is considered in college and university applications as an activity that earns points and helps students qualify for scholarships, allowing them to avoid large debts upon completing their studies.
250 years of independence and debate
THIS JULY 4 MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES’ DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE—A DOCUMENT THAT HAS LONG BEEN AT THE HEART OF CONTROVERSY AND AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY.
This year, the day marks 249 years since the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, approved the text drafted by a committee formed in June 1776 to declare independence from Great Britain.
These were representatives from 13 colonies—soon to become states— united under the common protest of
“taxation without representation,” even as what would become the U.S. War of Independence was already underway. This, however, is one of the foundational myths. The Continental Congress had already voted for independence on July 2. Still, it didn’t finalize its review of the Declaration of Independence— originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and William Livingston—until two days later, on July 4.
It wasn’t until July 6, 1776, that The Philadelphia Evening Post published the full text of the Declaration for the first time.
The document clearly discusses human rights and famously states in its second paragraph: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that their Creator endows them with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Some argue there’s ambiguity: did that include Black people, Indigenous groups, and other races? The debate remains unresolved. Worse, at least half of the roughly 60 delegates came from colonies whose economies relied on agriculture and slavery—foundations that would ultimately lead to the bloody Civil War of 1861–65.
Many, however, argue that it was less of a revolution and more of a rebellion against the British Crown, fueled by opposition to taxes imposed by the English Parliament on colonies that already had their own militias—crucial in resisting alliances between French colonists from present-day Quebec and Native American tribes—and a growing economy that was independent of the empire.
According to historians like Robert Kagan, the situation was more complicated: many colonies already felt confident enough to stand alone. The desire to break free from the British Crown was as much about seeking independence as it was about creating a new empire of their own.
On June 16 of this year, the United States also commemorated the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army with a military parade that sparked controversy due to its political timing—coinciding with President Donald Trump’s birthday—and the ongoing heated debate over immigration.
But it wasn’t until 1776 that the Second Continental Congress decided reconciliation was no longer possible. It chose to create a standing army led by George Washington, a Virginia delegate known for his military service in the French and Indian Wars, to officially declare independence and establish a provisional government.
It was, without a doubt, a historic decision. It can be said this was the first republic in over 1,500 years—formed with some British monarchical elements in its government structure, but also as the first nation built from a confederation of locally elected governments that, in turn, created a higher authority chosen by congressional vote.
It can be said this was the first republic in over 1,500 years—formed with some British monarchical elements in its government structure.
One immediate precursor to the revolution was the famous “Tea Rebellion,” which was triggered when Britain tried to reassert its monopoly over the tea trade in the colonies. In response, in December 1773, a group called the “Sons of Liberty” boarded a British ship disguised as Mohawk warriors and dumped its tea cargo into the harbor.
The colonists wanted free trade, and some of the Sons of Liberty were supported by wealthy tea smugglers who imported goods from the Dutch. In 1774, the First Continental Congress—meeting from September to October with representatives from 12 colonies—declared an economic boycott of Britain in response to the British naval blockade of Boston Harbor, which was a reaction to the tea rebellion.
Today, the beginning of the Revolutionary War is generally considered to be April 19, 1775, marked by the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where British troops were defeated by the Massachusetts Militia as they tried to seize its weapons arsenal.
That moment helped solidify another core myth: the citizen-soldier, prepared to lay down the plow and pick up the musket in defense of liberty.
As British historian David Armitage later wrote, “As the most harmonious, vibrant, and open republic since Rome, the United States also presented a threatening alternative to the monarchical order that had been restored in Europe after 1815.” Moreover, he noted, the U.S. could be viewed as a “state sponsor of terrorism,” one that was “fomenting revolutions wherever they might arise,” according to German statesman Klemens von Metternich. He wasn’t completely wrong. Aside from any goals the young republic might have had, its Declaration of Independence and the 1786 Constitution had a significant influence on the French Revolution and, notably, on independence movements across Latin America— many of which also adopted republican governments.
Perhaps the most legacy of the Declaration of Independence, according to Kagan, is its focus on individual rights rather than those of the state. “Throughout history, governments have prioritized state rights and the subjugation of the individual. It wasn’t until the American Revolution that the individual truly became the focus of government,” he told The Washington Post. The Revolutionary War lasted until 1783, thanks to the perseverance of George Washington—who managed to keep an army together even when Congress failed to provide enough funds—and the vital support of France and Spain, who supplied ships and resources.
Finally, it’s worth noting that in some ways, the war was also a civil conflict. In the end, tens or even hundreds of thousands of residents of the 13 colonies chose to remain loyal to the British Crown and emigrated to Canada.
José Carreño Figueras
@CARRENOJOSE1
Immigration raids, political inaction, and outdated policies are harming millions of undocumented workers who sustain the U.S. economy. This op-ed argues that legalization is not a handout—it’s a matter of national interest and common sense
BY: FUERZA MIGRANTE ARTWORK: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
‘Crackdown,” “national security,” “immigration order.” These terms, when turned into policy, mean something very different: raids at 5 a.m., children crying in immigration courts because their parents have been detained, students harassed during graduation ceremonies, and farm and service workers arrested by ICE without access to lawyers—entire communities living in fear.
The immigration raids that have grown more intense across parts of the United States are not just operations. They send a warning—a message to millions of hardworking people that, even though this country relies on them, it still refuses to acknowledge their place in it. They are made invisible as de facto citizens, while being hunted as if they were a threat.
Today, nearly 17% of the U.S. labor force was born outside the country
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024), and about 11 million undocumented people live and work in the United States. Among them are millions who support vital industries like agriculture, construction, services, and caregiving. Many have lived—and their families have been born—in states like California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, territories that were part of Mexico until the mid-19th century. Their ancestors were Mexican long before today’s borders existed. Yet in a historical paradox, the descendants of those who were here first are now labeled “illegal,” even as their daily labor supports the nation’s economy and social fabric.
The mainstream narrative still depicts undocumented immigrants as a burden or threat. However, the reality is quite different: thousands of undocumented individuals don’t just work—they start businesses. They create jobs for Americans and pay taxes regularly using the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), a legitimate tool in the tax system. It’s a striking contradiction that a country allows these individuals to contribute officially to its economy, yet criminalizes them based on their immigration status or skin color. This reflects institutionalized double standards: they can contribute, but they can’t belong.
17% of the U.S. labor force was born outside the country… thousands of undocumented individuals work, start businesses, create jobs for Americans and pay taxes
The U.S. is self-sabotaging through political choices sacrificing labor stability, tax revenue, and social security An uncomfortable truth:the United States needs immigrants more than it’s willing to admit, without them, this country couldn’t operate
Yet, the United States has not passed comprehensive immigration reform since 1986. Nearly four decades have passed with a patchwork of laws, fragile executive actions, and recycled promises in every election cycle. Politicians from both parties have used the issue for political gain but have consistently avoided the structural decisions the country needs.
Instead of spending millions to pursue and criminalize people who are already part of the economy, wouldn’t it be smarter and safer to register them, verify that they have no criminal record, and offer a path to legal status? Wouldn’t it be more effective to make legal migration easier rather than supporting a system that creates undocumented people through bureaucratic failures?
The U.S. is self-sabotaging through political choices, sacrificing labor stability, tax revenue, and social security that a well-designed reform could guarantee. This isn’t a concession—it’s basic common sense.
Immigration policy is out of sync with the country’s economic and human realities. We can’t seriously discuss controlling borders without tackling the root causes of migration. We can’t talk about legality while marginalized the very people who support the legality of everything else: work, consumption, culture.
Raids are a sign of political desperation—a violent reaction to an uncomfortable truth: the United States needs immigrants more than it’s willing to admit.
Without them, this country couldn’t operate. Without them, there’s no production, no consumption, no growth. Some—even within the Latino community—believed that these policies were about safety and order, not persecuting their own families and neighbors. Today, many understand that we can’t build a strong country by hurting those who keep it running every day.
From Fuerza Migrante, we urge senators and lawmakers to act responsibly and finally pass comprehensive immigration reform. It is urgent and crucial for the social and economic stability of the United States. Legalization isn’t a favor—it’s in everyone’s best interest.
LEGALIZATION
IS NOT A FAVOR IT’S COMMON SENSE FOR EVERYONE
ATZIN SANTOS
THE TASTE OF MEXICO
IN THE U.S. IS IDENTITY AND RESISTANCE
Chef Atzin Santos brings the spirit of Mexican cuisine to the U.S. through bold, authentic flavors rooted in tradition. From Limosneros in Mexico City to innovative concepts in Florida, his work bridges cultures and challenges stereotypes. His goal: to honor his roots while inspiring the next generation of Latino creators.
BY: ALAN VARGAS
OI realized that my entire life had revolved around food, around the products of the cornfield. Without even looking for it, it was already inside me. And so this journey began.’
has roots in Orizaba, Veracruz, and the State of Mexico. My grandmother owned a bakery and raised animals in her backyard. She cooked for the entire family every weekend—about 28 of us. Every meal was a feast: mixiotes, carnitas, roasted chickens. I helped her, and even though didn’t realize it then, those moments shaped everything."
LIKE MANY TEENS, HE ONCE DREAMED OF BECOMING A SOCCER PLAYER. BUT A KNEE INJURY ALTERED HIS PATH.
"After surgery, I finished high school feeling uncertain about my next step. I took a job at a Mexican restaurant and became captivated. realized my life had always revolved around food, ingredients, and the milpa. From that moment on, there was no turning back."
TODAY, HIS CUISINE IS BROADLY CELEBRATED FOR ITS STRONG DEDICATION TO MEXICAN IDENTITY.
“Limosneros is my home. It reflects who I am—deeply rooted in cooking, supported by research and a strong connection to corn. For us, the tortilla is transformative. We import corn from Amecameca because we believe in its flavor, texture, and history.”
CROSSING BORDERS
"In the U.S., remaining authentic has been a challenge. The corn used there often contains preservatives—it loses its natural strength and flavor. Many people who grew up in the U.S. believe that’s what a tortilla is supposed to taste like, but once they try one made with heirloom corn, with that earthy flavor, everything changes."
ATZIN HAS CREATED NUMEROUS CULINARY CONCEPTS THROUGHOUT THE U.S.
"We started in Houston. Then came Tacos del Cartel in New Orleans, a concept inspired by old Mexican town posters. Everything centers around the tortilla. We make tacos with fillings like surf and turf in black tempura, grilled fish, drunken salsas, and many dishes to share."
HE IS SOON LAUNCHING TWO NEW CONCEPTS IN FLORIDA: CARNALITO AND TRAGOS AMARGOS
"We want to demonstrate that Mexico isn’t just about tacos and margaritas—it’s so much more. I’m also working on Sushi Bayos, a Japanese-Mexican fusion that truly excites me."
HOW AMERICANS RESPOND HOW DO AMERICAN DINERS RESPOND TO THESE DARING PROPOSALS?
“There’s growing openness and increased interest in authentic ingredients. Some items, such as insects, huitlacoche, or strong flavors, still face resistance— but the key is to educate and surprise.” In Mexico, people visit Limosneros seeking an experience. In the U.S., we need to create restaurants that are part of that experience but also integrate into everyday life. That requires consistency, quality, storytelling, and adaptability.
ATZIN HAS CLEAR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE:
"We want Limosneros to continue growing in Mexico. We’re renovating the kitchen and developing a new menu based on research into Indigenous communities. We also have Huerto Ome, the only restaurant-owned farm in Mexico, which supplies more than 40 culinary projects. There, we plan to open a weekend-only restaurant to host chefs, journalists, and guests who want to experience food from the ground up."
A MESSAGE FOR YOUNG LATINOS
"Bringing Limosneros to the U.S.—not as a replica, but as an adapted version that retains the same soul. Deep Mexican cuisine, no compromises. We want to do it right, with dignity and rooted in tradition. I believe we’re ready."
FINALLY, THE CHEF SHARES A MESSAGE FOR YOUNG LATINOS DREAMING OF MAKING IT IN THE KITCHEN—OR ANY CREATIVE FIELD—IN THE U.S.:
"The most important thing is understanding your roots. Knowing where you come from and where you want to go. There are many opportunities in the U.S., but you must pursue them with purpose and hard work. Latinos are a vital part of this country. We’re workers, dreamers, doers.
Daniel Suárez
The Mexican who
With the Mexican flag on his helmet and history on his shoulders, Daniel Suárez has become a pioneer, an ambassador, and an example. The driver from Monterrey doesn’t just race in the most American racing series—he’s also paving the way for future generations, embracing his roots, and speaking up for migrants like him who chase a dream far from home.
BY: ÉRIKA MONTOYA
ART: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
Daniel Suárez doesn’t just race at over 300 km/h on the biggest tracks in the U.S.—he carries the weight of a nation.
He’s the only Mexican driver, the only Latino, and one of just two non-Americans racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, the quintessentially American motorsport. And he takes that responsibility seriously.
“Yes, that’s the best part… knowing that a Mexican is competing in what’s probably the most American motorsport series… It’s amazing,” he says with pride. For Suárez, representing Mexico on this stage is about more than speed and skill—it’s a responsibility.
He recently achieved a lifelong dream: racing at home as a fulltime NASCAR Cup Series driver. After more than 80 years, the series left the U.S. for the first time, hosting a race in Mexico City—an unprecedented step to globalize the sport and reach new markets. For Daniel, this wasn’t just another race. It marked the culmination of years of hard work, overcoming challenges, and standing firm in his identity. Racing at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, in front of his own people, wasn’t just exciting—it was meaningful.
“It was a huge honor to represent Mexico at home. I never imagined it this way, and living it was incredible,” he said after the event.
In what he calls the best weekend of his career, Suárez secured a comeback victory in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity race, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. On Sunday, in the Cup Series main event, his team’s strategy didn’t unfold as expected. He battled hard but finished in 19th place.
Still, the result didn’t lessen the moment’s importance.
For the first time, NASCAR Cup stepped outside its comfort zone, and Mexico was the chosen destination. And there was Daniel Suárez, serving as a bridge, an ambassador, and a crucial part of that evolution.
“This weekend we gained a ton of new fans who will follow me and my NASCAR journey,” he said. And it’s true—his presence was more than just athletic. It was about belonging, representation, and pushing a sport that had long seemed closed to outsiders. Since leaving Monterrey at 19, Daniel’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Without speaking English and lacking industry connections, he set out to defy the odds.
“When they told me no Mexican had ever made it in NASCAR, I thought, ‘Why not?’ And I wanted to change that.” And he did.
In 2016, he became the first foreign-born
ity Series championship—and he blazed a trail for others to follow.
Suárez acknowledges that his role in the sport has influenced him. What once seemed like pressure has now become a driving force.
I wanted to open doors—not just for drivers, but for mechanics, engineers, and everyone who wants to be part of this sport. I feel fortunate to have the support of a great team, sponsors, and my family.
Although NASCAR has evolved, he admits that the pace of welcoming international talent has been slow. There’s a bit more diversity now, but ten years ago it was very different. It takes time,” he says. Today, he’s the only Spanish-speaking driver on the grid and one of just two not born in the U.S.
But his identity hasn’t held him back — it’s driven him forward. “NASCAR couldn’t have found someone prouder of his roots. left without speaking English and connected with people by being myself. My best asset is just being me.”
Daniel also reflects on how his journey has helped change the perception of NASCAR in Mexico.
“Before, most Mexicans ignored NASCAR. Now that a Latino is succeeding, things are shifting.”
The recent race in Mexico City proved it: “The support was incredible—ten times bigger. We gained so many new fans.”
As a successful migrant living in the U.S., Daniel also feels the need to stay grounded.
“I love being a role model for Latinos. I love having earned this on my own, without handouts.”
But he can’t ignore what’s happening with his fellow countrymen now that immigration policy has shifted.
“It’s sad… especially because the U.S. was built on the work of migrants for years. What we’re seeing today is disheartening. I just hope for more solidarity.”
He says he wouldn’t trade his journey for anything. He loves Mexico—its food, its people, its culture—but he’s built a life in the U.S., where he arrived with nothing but dreams in his backpack.
“I’ve learned that we’re all human. At the end of the day, we eat the same food, breathe the same air. We might speak different languages, have different skin tones or accents—but when we share the same goal, work as a team, and move forward together, anything is possible.”
With his sights on more victories and new role models for Latino youth, Daniel Suárez knows he’s not racing alone. In his car, he carries an entire country. He embodies the stories of those who crossed borders, the dreams of those watching from the other side of the wall, and the determination of everyone striving to break barriers.
“I pursued a dream where they said it couldn’t be done. And I made it happen.”
Soccer, the economy, and sports have all been affected by the mass raids targeting migrants in the United States.
What used to be a true celebration every time the Mexican national team played on U.S. soil has now become a source of fear and anxiety for many Mexicans. One of the most affected tournaments has been the Gold Cup, where both attendance and economic impact at stadiums have decreased significantly. The match in which the Mexican team debuted against the Dominican Republic drew an announced crowd of 54,309 fans in a stadium with a capacity of 70,000.
For the second match of the Aztec team, fans made their dissatisfaction and fear felt regarding President Donald Trump’s policy of mass deportations. The match between Mexico and Suriname in Texas drew only 34,015 spectators in a stadium that holds 80,000—undoubtedly one of the lowest turnouts in recent years, representing millions in losses for the national team’s sponsors.
To make matters worse, the national team’s coach, Javier Aguirre, gave an unexpected and unsympathetic response to the Mexican fans when, during a press conference, he was asked about the situation Mexicans in the U.S. were facing and whether he wanted to send a message to them. He replied: “I’m not a spokesperson for Mexicans,” a comment that was widely criticized by the press in general and especially by the Latino population.
For the match between Mexico and Costa Rica, expectations were for a rise in attendance at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, it ultimately reflected the discontent among Aztec fans, as many empty seats could be seen in the stands.
Without a doubt, the raids, the poor performance of the Mexican team, and the lackluster quality of their opponents in this Gold Cup have discouraged soccer fans—especially those drawn to the brand known as the Mexican National Team—from attending what used to be a highly anticipated spectacle for our fellow countrymen.
However, it’s not just soccer that has been affected. Baseball has also suffered
consequences, as clearly shown in the incident involving the Los Angeles Dodgers, who reported that they had asked agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave the parking area and surroundings of Dodger Stadium.
“This morning, ICE agents arrived at Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. The Dodgers organization denied them entry,” the Dodgers posted on X.
Following the team’s post on social media, ICE denied that their agents had ever been at Dodger Stadium.
“False,” the agency posted on X. “We were never there.” Tricia McLaughlin, deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, stated that the agents were actually from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and that they were not trying to enter the stadium.
“This had nothing to do with the Dodgers. CBP vehicles were in the stadium parking lot very briefly, unrelated to any operation or law enforcement activity.”
Despite this, the Latino community—and Mexicans in particular—continue to express fear and concern over the issue, especially since the Trump administration activated more than 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines despite protests and opposition from political leaders.
Another issue that has sparked considerable debate is the stance the United States will take regarding the upcoming FIFA World Cup—organized by the sport’s global governing body—which is now less than a year away. Donald Trump has ordered, for now, a ban or restriction on entry to the U.S. for citizens from 19 countries. Twelve of these nations face a total ban, while the remaining seven face partial restrictions.
This raises serious questions, especially regarding Iran’s national team, which just recently qualified for the World Cup—setting off alarms for players, coaching staff, and of course, fans. The situation remains uncertain, as FIFA may find itself at a crossroads due to the U.S. government’s position. One potential solution might be to have Iran’s matches hosted in Mexico or Canada. It’s important to emphasize that FIFA is an autonomous organization, the highest governing body of this sport, and it even has the authority to change some of the host locations for the 2026 World Cup. The United States is set to host the most matches, a total of 78, while Canada and Mexico will each host 13. Today, the outcome is still up in the air and the World Cup is less than a year away. But rest assured, dear reader, that here at Heraldo USA, we will keep you informed and continue following this major development that has shaken the sports world.
