Artists join ‘No ICE in the Cup’ effort
“No ICE in the Cup” launched May 13, 2026, as the U.S. prepares to co-host the World Cup this summer. Following a year of escalating aggression from ICE, a diverse coalition of civic and advocacy groups, faith organizations, workers, small businesses, lawyers and notable public figures are uniting to ensure fans—no matter where they are from—can celebrate soccer’s biggest moment without the threat of detainment or violence.
Spearheaded by the Horizons Project—a team of organizers strengthening connections and collective action across U.S. pro-democracy movements and networks—the “No ICE in the Cup” campaign will feature events including youth soccer tournaments, watch parties, community activations and a call for artist participation. The campaign will focus on host cities Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Philadelphia, Miami and Seattle, as well as events in New York City and Los Angeles.
“Soccer has long been a unifying force that transcends borders and backgrounds, and the World Cup should be a celebration that reflects that spirit of competition and fair play captured by the beautiful game—something we can all rally around,” said Julia Roig, Founder & Chief Network Weaver at Horizons Project. “This campaign demonstrates what’s possible when we organize across ideologies and sectors and create spaces where all people—regardless of immigration status—can gather, celebrate and experience community without fear.”
Business organizations from across the host cities are engaging with small businesses, including popular watch party destinations like restaurants and bars, which are committed to fostering safe and inclusive spaces for soccer fans. Beyond these establishments, a set of diverse actors across communities, including unions, faith leaders and veterans groups, are behind the initiative—extending its reach with influential voices and reinforcing a shared vision of a democratic future where all can thrive.
In addition, the campaign is supported by talented artists, including film director, activist and author Paola Mendoza, who is co-leading a special art commission. Mendoza and her colleagues are inviting artists across the country to submit works inspired by the “No ICE in the Cup” message. The campaign launches with original art pieces by Angel Faz (Dallas, TX), Cristy Road (New York, NY), Hana Natsuhara (Seattle, WA), Ikemba Sahih El Shabazz (Kansas City, KS), Shaina Lu (Boston, MA) and Tatiana Bell (Atlanta, GA). Artists can submit at www.noiceinthecup.us.
“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,” said Mendoza. “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.”
No ICE in the Cup kicked off with a call for artists to share their work, as well as business owners, community members and public figures across the nation to join the movement. The momentum will continue with a youth soccer tournament in New York City at the end of the month, with a toolkit provided by the campaign for anyone to host their own tournament in their community.
ABOUT HORIZONS PROJECT BIG TENT ORGANIZING EFFORTS
The Horizons Project strengthens connections and collective action among U.S. pro-democracy movements and networks to build a just, diverse, and peaceful democracy that works for all. Horizons facilitates a “Big Tent” that is an intentionally cross-partisan, cross-sectoral coalition committed to strengthening democracy in the United States and confronting authoritarianism in all its forms—not just in a single election cycle or administration, but as a long-term, generational imperative.
Big Tent participants represent a broad range of civic actors holding different roles, organizing with different audiences, geographies, and working within varying constraints. The group’s shared aim is to work for a strong democracy; protection of fundamental Constitutional freedoms; the rule of law; and free and fair elections, including the peaceful transfer of power.
Learn more at www.horizonsproject.us.
