Asylum seeker detained at New Jersey stadium tells immigrant fans of risks

A Latin American asylum seeker was detained by immigration authorities at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in July 2025 while attending a FIFA Club World Cup match with two of his sons. The man had driven to the stadium parking lot and attempted to fly a recreational drone for photographs. Officers approached him after the device failed to operate in a restricted airspace zone.

Detention and transfer He was taken inside the stadium and initially told he would receive a fine for a minor infraction. Officers then reviewed his immigration status and informed him that his asylum application had been closed the previous month. A woman identified as an FBI agent transferred him to immigration authorities.

He was held for 11 weeks at Delaney Hall, a detention facility in Newark operated by The GEO Group.

Family separation and conditions The man has been separated from his wife and three sons for nearly a year. His wife stated that the family received no prior notice that the asylum case had been closed. He described cold meals and guards who appeared intoxicated during his detention.

The American Civil Liberties Union published an open letter in May citing medical neglect and inadequate food at the facility.

Cup attendees Human Rights Watch documented 167,000 immigration arrests across 11 World Cup host cities between January and March. The man, now outside the United States, advised immigrant ticket holders to avoid attending matches. He said detention could occur in parking areas or inside venues without prior warning.