Football match moved from Chicago amid Trump immigration standoff

A friendly football match between Argentina and Puerto Rico that was due to take place in Chicago has been moved to Florida, organizers said Wednesday, amid unrest in the city triggered by a crackdown on immigration, 

The game, which was supposed to be played on Monday at Soldier Field in Chicago, will now be played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the home pitch of Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

The development comes amid preparations for the 2026 football World Cup which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico. President Donald Trump has promised fans it will be a “seamless experience.”

The match due October 13 will now be played a day later in Florida, organizer DeeDee Jones said in a statement.

Chicago, the largest city in Democrat-run Illinois and third-largest in the country, has been resisting Trump’s hardline drive to deport millions of immigrants, which has prompted allegations of rights abuses and myriad lawsuits.

Trump on Wednesday called for jailing Democratic officials in Illinois who are resisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

“Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers! Governor (JB) Pritzker also!” Trump posted on his social media platform.

Local officials argue that city and state law enforcement are sufficient to handle the protests, but Trump claims the military is needed to keep federal agents safe, heightening concerns by his critics of growing authoritarianism.

The United States will be hosting the bulk of the World Cup games and Trump has already suggested moving matches from cities he regards as a security risk.

US host cities include staunchly Democratic strongholds such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.