German Soccer Club Cancels U.S. Tour, Citing ICE Actions

Werder Bremen says proposed Minnesota and Detroit visit 'does not fit our values'

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Werder Bremen, a German soccer club, has canceled its proposed summer tour of the U.S., citing recent incidents in Minneapolis, Minnesota where two people were shot and killed by federal agents. The club says playing in a city with 'unrest and people being shot' does not align with their values.

Why it matters

Werder Bremen is known for its left-wing fan base and progressive stances, so the decision to cancel the U.S. tour over concerns about federal law enforcement actions aligns with the club's ideological positions. This move highlights growing tensions between European sports teams and touring the U.S. amid ongoing social and political issues.

The details

Werder Bremen had been planning a week-long tour in May to play two friendly matches in Minnesota and Detroit. However, the club cited recent incidents in Minneapolis where two people, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The club said 'playing in a city where there is unrest and people are being shot does not fit our values' and that 'it is no longer known with which players you can still enter the USA due to the tightened entry conditions'.

  • Last month, Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed by U.S. federal agents in Minneapolis.

The players

Werder Bremen

A German soccer club known for its left-wing fan base and progressive stances.

Renee Good

A person killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis last month.

Alex Pretti

A person killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis last month.

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What they’re saying

“In Minnesota, two people were shot dead by state authorities. Playing in a city where there is unrest and people are being shot does not fit our values. That will not happen with us.”

— Werder Bremen Spokesperson (nytimes.com)

“It is no longer known with which players you can still enter the USA due to the tightened entry conditions, which demand, among other things, for a review of the social media profiles of the past five years.”

— Werder Bremen Spokesperson (nytimes.com)

The takeaway

Werder Bremen's decision to cancel its U.S. tour over concerns about federal law enforcement actions in Minneapolis reflects the club's strong left-wing ideology and commitment to progressive values. This move highlights the growing tensions between European sports teams and touring the U.S. amid ongoing social and political issues.