NYC Mayor Launches 'Referee Kit' Campaign for Immigrant Workers Ahead of World Cup

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has launched an innovative campaign called the "Referee Kit" to inform immigrant workers and residents about their rights ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The initiative, inspired by soccer's yellow and red cards, aims to protect individuals from exploitation, particularly in the service and hospitality sectors, during the major sporting event.

The World Cup kicks off on June 11, with matches hosted in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, including the New York and New Jersey area. Mamdani's office released the campaign on the eve of the tournament to ensure all workers are aware of available legal resources in case of abuse. "The World Cup is a moment when people from all over the world come together for their shared passion for football," the mayor stated, emphasizing the campaign's goal to prevent exploitation.

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The World Cup is a moment when people from all over the world come together for their shared passion for football.

"We do not tolerate those who seek to take advantage of the tournament to exploit New Yorkers, whether through deceptive business practices, violations of our labor laws, or other forms of exploitation," Mamdani added. The campaign seeks to ensure "that New Yorkers and visitors know their rights."

The "Referee Kit" features cards designed for easy portability and clear, simple information. Yellow cards provide contact numbers for immigrant legal assistance, the city's Hope hotline for victims of domestic or gender-based violence and other crimes, and a reminder to call 311 to report labor violations. Red cards offer information on protections for individuals encountering ICE agents in workplaces, public spaces, or at home. The materials are translated into Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian Creole, Korean, Arabic, Polish, Urdu, and French, and will be distributed through outreach events in immigrant neighborhoods and commercial areas.

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We do not tolerate those who seek to take advantage of the tournament to exploit New Yorkers, whether through deceptive business practices, violations of our labor laws, or other forms of exploitation. The goal is to ensure that New Yorkers and visitors know their rights.