Sports
Some 7,000 people could be deported for sneaking into the Copa América soccer final in Miami
The final of the 2024 Copa América was the scene of great disorder when thousands of Colombians and Argentines entered the stadium without a ticket
July 22, 2024 6:35pm
Updated: July 24, 2024 8:37am
The final of the Copa América 2024, played on July 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, was marked by a significant scandal when thousands of Colombian and Argentine fans entered the stadium without a ticket.
According to reports, around 7,000 of the 8,000 people who entered without authorization have already been identified through biometric cameras installed in the area.
The debacle began when thousands of people descended upon the stadium and there was so much pressure at the gates that arena authorities decided to let them pass to avoid harm or injury in a stampede.
This delayed the 8 p.m. kickoff until 9:15 p.m. When authorities determined the situation had calmed down and was no longer a risk, they resumed regular entry procedures.
At least 27 people were initially arrested and 55 were injured or received medical treatment from Miami-Dade fire rescue, according to a report published by USA Today. Some images revealed a man who may have been wearing journalism credentials who was tackled and handcuffed after he walked through the media entrance.
“There were 800 law enforcement officers from eight different South Florida organizations working the game. But they were easily outnumbered by more than 65,000 fans who witnessed Lionel Messi and Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in extra time during the Copa America final,” the nationwide Gannett news paper reported.
Florida authorities revealed that many of these fans did not travel directly from Colombia, but rather reside in various cities in the United States and Canada. The involvement of legal residents in these countries could complicate their legal situation.
Potential prosecutions for identified fans include judicial penalties that could result in fines or imprisonment and the revocation of visas for those with residence in the United States or Canada.
In the most serious cases, deportation could be a possibility.
Additionally, if it is proven that Colombian residents in the United States brought their families to the event and participated in the riots, the entire family could face expulsion from the country.
