Top German Soccer Team Cancels Trip to Minneapolis, Citing Trump Immigration Crackdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Werder Bremen has canceled its planned summer trip to Minneapolis, citing unrest tied to federal immigration enforcement operations. The club referenced recent shootings and stricter U.S. entry requirements as key concerns. The decision adds to the economic fallout linked to Operation Metro Surge.
Werder Bremen Cancels Minneapolis Trip Over Immigration Crackdown Quick Looks
- Bundesliga club cancels Minnesota visit
- Cites unrest and recent federal law enforcement shootings
- Concerns over stricter U.S. immigration entry rules
- Operation Metro Surge deployed 3,000 agents
- Minneapolis officials estimate $200 million economic impact
- Club emphasizes commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Decision comes ahead of U.S.-hosted FIFA World Cup
Deep Look: Top German Soccer Team Cancels Trip to Minneapolis, Citing Trump Immigration Crackdown
German soccer club Werder Bremen has called off its planned summer trip to Minneapolis, pointing to unrest and recent violence tied to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement surge in the city.
The Bundesliga side said conditions in Minneapolis — including federal law enforcement shootings during protests — conflict with the club’s stated values.
“Playing in a city where there’s unrest and people have been shot does not fit with our values,” said Christoph Pieper, the club’s head of communications. He also noted uncertainty over whether all players would be able to enter the United States due to tightened immigration rules.
Immigration Operation and Fallout
The decision follows a large-scale immigration enforcement effort launched by President Donald Trump’s administration. Roughly 3,000 federal agents were deployed to Minneapolis in December under an initiative dubbed Operation Metro Surge.
The operation triggered widespread protests across the city. Two demonstrators, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot in separate incidents involving federal agents last month, further escalating tensions.
Although White House border czar Tom Homan announced the drawdown of the surge last week, the ripple effects continue. Minneapolis city leaders estimate the enforcement campaign has resulted in more than $200 million in economic losses, affecting tourism, events and local businesses.
A Club Known for Progressive Values
Founded in 1899 and one of the original members of the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen is a four-time German champion with a reputation for progressive activism within European soccer.
In 2024, the club left the social media platform X, citing concerns about hate speech and extremist content. The move reinforced its broader commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“Our club stands for an open, pluralistic and united society,” Pieper said. “We are committed to ensuring that all people — regardless of origin, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability — have a firm place in our community.”
The Minneapolis trip, club officials indicated, no longer aligned with those principles amid ongoing political tension.
Soccer and U.S. Politics Intersect
The cancellation comes at a sensitive time for international soccer in the United States. The U.S., alongside Canada and Mexico, is preparing to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup this summer.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained a cooperative relationship with the White House, presenting Trump with a FIFA Peace Prize in December and pledging support for a White House peace initiative.
Werder Bremen’s decision, however, reflects a different approach — signaling that not all international sports organizations are willing to separate athletic events from political developments.
A Difficult Season on the Field
On the pitch, Werder Bremen is enduring a challenging Bundesliga campaign. The club currently sits 16th in the league standings, with only four wins through 22 matches.
Just one year ago, however, Bremen finished in the top 10, powered by Danish striker Jens Stage’s 10-goal season.
While the team focuses on climbing out of the relegation zone, its decision to cancel the U.S. trip highlights how global politics can shape the business and branding strategies of major sports organizations.
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