Illegal Migrants Discovered Among Copa America Stampede Arrests
Sunday's Copa America finale continues to face criticism for a major security mishap that ended up posing serious safety hazards for fans at the match.
Soccer fans flocked to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to catch the highly anticipated Copa America finale between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Colombia.
However, large disruptions tainted the soccer match as thousands of rabid fans tried to force themselves into the venue without tickets, hours ahead of the match, which snowballed into a 75-minute match delay. An estimated 800 officers were called to control the fans trying to break into the stadium.
WATCH: Copa America Fans Rush Hard Rock Stadium Security
Chaos ensued as the venue suffered structural damage, and innocent bystanders, including kids, were intimidated by the swarms of people climbing vents, running away from security and jumping over turnstiles and fences to gain entrance.
Authorities made several arrests and detained 27 individuals following the mayhem at Hard Rock Stadium.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 14: A fan of Colombia is detained by a police officer outside the stadium prior the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
According to a startling development from the New York Post, 11 illegal migrants were identified among those arrested for entering the stadium by force.
Exclusive documents obtained by the outlet note that several of the migrants have been in the country illegally for years and were previously detained by ICE, only to be released in a matter of days or weeks. Some migrants caught since 2021 were released after receiving a tracking device (later disarmed), and one of the illegal migrants was released by ICE for being overweight.
Security personnel detain Colombia's supporters that tried to get into the stadium without tickets ahead of the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament final football match between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami, Florida on July 14, 2024. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP) (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
An estimated 7,000 soccer fans entered the stadium without tickets, infuriating those who had paid thousands for admission and were left sizzling outside the overcrowded venue. Hard Rock Stadium holds a capacity of 65,300 people.
One man waiting to enter Hard Rock angrily declared he paid $2,000 for a ticket, only to be left outside in the hot Miami weather while vandals made their way in. One of the intruders posted a picture of his liquor bottle inside the stadium, prompting concerns over the potential dangers that may have infiltrated the Hard Rock.
Colombian migrant Luis Beltran taken by officer at Hard Rock Stadium. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP) (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
The discovery of illegal migrants at a major sporting event touches on a hot-button issue in America concerning the presidency's inability to secure the nation's borders. With an upcoming election, Americans are most pressed about the influx of illegal migrants appearing all over the country.
Among the illegal Colombian migrants arrested were Luis Beltran Martinez, Elkin Mayorga, Argemiro Rodriguez, Dillan Parra Castro and Brandon Poeda. The group is facing charges, including trespassing, battery, and forcefully resisting an officer.
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The chaos eventually cooled down during Sunday's match as venue security combed the seats, row by row, to verify ticket-holding fans and boot out the trespassers. The soccer community was abuzz with criticism over the security mishap at the Copa America final.
Many pundits labeled it a major failure by CONMEBOL to properly secure the venue.
Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi (R) reacts after leaving the pitch after picking up an injury during the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament final football match between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami, Florida on July 14, 2024. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP) (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
Despite losing international star Lionel Messi mid-match, Argentina beat Colombia, 1-0, for the Copa America crown.
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