Werder Bremen cancels US trip over unrest after ICE shootings
Feb 22nd 2026
The Bundesliga side said concerns about unrest after two people were shot by ICE officers, tightened US entry rules and the club's relegation fight led them to abandon planned friendlies in Minnesota and Detroit.
- Werder Bremen canceled May friendlies in Minnesota and Detroit because of safety and logistical concerns.
- Two American citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were shot by ICE officers during Operation Metro Surge, prompting widespread protests.
- A club spokesman cited sporting, economic and political reasons and said playing in a city with unrest did not fit the club's values.
- Werder also raised uncertainty over which players could enter the US due to tightened visa rules implemented by the Trump administration.
- The team is without a win in 12 Bundesliga matches and sits 16th, a factor that made planning the trip more difficult.