Latest news with #ThomasKennedy
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Activists: FIFA should protect World Cup attendees from immigration enforcement
A coalition of community organizations convened on FIFA's doorstep in Coral Gables on Monday afternoon to urge the soccer world's governing body to protect attendees at World Cup events from 'overzealous immigration enforcement.' About a dozen activists gathered on the sidewalk outside the gold-toned metal spirals that embellish the main entrance of FIFA's new legal and compliance division office, holding signs reading 'FIFA, eyes on the ball, ICE off the field!' and 'FIFA, the world is watching!' Speakers said recent actions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials had provoked increasing concern over the safety of local residents attending the Club World Cup games this summer at Hard Rock Stadium. The stadium will also host seven World Cup matches next year. 'We've long been concerned about ICE at sporting events under this administration, but our concerns have been heightened by irresponsible statements from ICE and CBP,' said Thomas Kennedy, an immigrant rights advocate with the Florida Immigrant Coalition. Kennedy highlighted a June 10 post by Customs and Border Protection on social media site X that said the federal law enforcement agency would be 'suited and booted and ready to provide security for the first round of games.' The post was later deleted but not before arousing the concern of immigration rights groups in South Florida. The same day, NBC Miami reported that ICE had advised, in a statement regarding enforcement at Club World Cup games, that 'all non-American citizens need to carry proof of their legal status.' When asked to clarify, ICE told the Miami Herald: 'As is customary for an event of this magnitude with national security implications, ICE will be working alongside our Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice partners to help ensure the safety and security of the event.' The following night, on June 11, a celebration of the upcoming World Cup hosted by Spanish-language television network Telemundo aboard a boat in Biscayne Bay was abruptly canceled following a surprise inspection by the Coast Guard, alongside at least one border patrol agent. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who was aboard the boat at the time, said in a statement that the inspection was 'deeply troubling' and 'should not have happened.' Coast Guard spokesperson Chief Petty Officer Nicole Groll told the Herald that the inspection 'was not a targeted immigration thing.' On Monday, Kennedy told the crowd outside FIFA's offices that his group had confirmed that federal immigration agents had been present at recent Club World Cup games. But Kennedy said his organization had not witnessed immigration agents at the games indiscriminately detaining attendees or demanding they provide proof of residency. 'FIFA has an opportunity to use the power of the game and culture to help us meet this moment,' said Laura Muñoz, the civic engagement director for the Florida Student Power Network. 'Soccer has the power to bring us together, and that's what we need the most right now — that's what we're asking for FIFA to do.' Muñoz told the press conference that FIFA needed to recognize that many of Miami's soccer fans were staying home and out of the bleachers because of fear over immigration enforcement. 'Especially for undocumented youth, they can't feel safe going to a game,' Muñoz said. 'This situation has gotten out of hand.' FIFA did not provide a formal response to the press conference as of late Monday, but a June 17 press release from the organization highlighted the 'record crowds and unmatched passion' of the matches at Hard Rock Stadium. The statement also said fans from over 130 countries had purchased tickets, traveling from across the globe to attend the games. 'FIFA is proud of the unique and multicultural atmosphere and support this new competition has already generated,' FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in the statement. 'FIFA Club World Cup continues to grow into the undisputed pinnacle of global club football.'
Wall Street Journal
25-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Tech Entrepreneurs Sell Waterfront Miami Beach Home for $46 Million
South Florida's hot streak continues with the $46 million sale of a bay-front home in Miami Beach, Fla., The sellers of the Venetian Islands home are tech entrepreneurs Thomas and Patricia Kennedy, founders of the software tech startup Zudy, which was acquired by the software company Jitterbit in 2023. The couple spent about three years building out the home, Patricia said.
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Culzean Castle appeal after bespoke Lego figure disappears
Staff at the National Trust for Scotland are hoping that Thomas Kennedy, a bespoke Lego figure, can be found after disappearing from Culzean Castle. Staff at Culzean Castle and Country Park are on the hunt for Thomas Kennedy - a bespoke Lego figure which has gone missing. Last seen on Wednesday, June 18, Thomas had been hiding in the castle's wardrobe room as part of the popular children's Lego hunt. The figure is one of a unique set which the National Trust for Scotland had made specially for the Lego hunt. When last seen, Thomas was wearing a black hat, black waistcoat, green shirt and black trousers. Designed and built by Robert Adam in the late 18th century, Culzean Castle was once home to David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassilis and his family. The Lego figures portray different people with links to the castle including Thomas Kennedy - David's father and the 9th Earl of Cassilis. A much-loved and popular sight among children and adults alike, different Lego figures have been hidden around the castle for around 20 years. The National Trust for Scotland are hoping that Thomas can be found and returned to the castle so he can continue to be a part of the children's Lego hunt. A spokesperson for the National Trust for Scotland said: "Sadly, one of our cherished figures has been taken. "These little legends are a huge part of the experience, and their disappearance takes a bit of magic away from everyone. "These were made especially for the castle and are extremely difficult (maybe even impossible) to replace. "Whilst there is likely little we can do about this, it's important to highlight that behaviour like this can spoil it for the majority and we welcome you into the castle with the anticipation that you will leave only with souvenirs only from our gift shop (and of course some wonderful memories). "Could Thomas Kennedy make his way back to us?"
The Independent
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Immigrant rights groups urge sheriffs to prioritize public safety over immigration enforcement
A coalition of immigrant rights, faith and pro-democracy organizations presented a letter with 12,000 signatures Tuesday to the National Sheriffs' Association Conference in Florida, urging them to protect public safety rather than work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The letter urges sheriffs agencies to refrain from immigration-related issues, and stay away from what the organizers consider as the dangers of President Donald Trump 's 'anti-immigrant rhetoric and harmful immigration agenda.' About 30 people attended a rally outside Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the annual sheriffs' association conference was taking place. 'When sheriffs take on the responsibility of federal immigration authorities, it undermines your core mission, stretches already limited resources, and most importantly, causes real harm," the letter said. Thomas Kennedy, a spokesman for the Florida Immigrant Coalition, said having law enforcement involved in immigration issues could lead to people being afraid to call for help. 'It's a bad deal for our city in general, in terms of it being a welcoming place. It's a bad deal for civil rights. It's a bad deal for taxpayers. It's a bad deal for public safety because these police officers are distracted from their tasks," Kennedy said. The sheriffs' association did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the letter.
Al Arabiya
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Immigrant rights groups urge sheriffs to prioritize public safety over immigration enforcement
A coalition of immigrant rights, faith, and pro-democracy organizations presented a letter with 12,000 signatures to the National Sheriffs' Association Conference in Florida, urging them to protect public safety rather than work with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The letter urges sheriffs' agencies to refrain from immigration-related issues and stay away from what the organizers consider the dangers of President Donald Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric and harmful immigration agenda. About 30 people attended a rally outside Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the annual sheriffs' association conference was taking place. 'When sheriffs take on the responsibility of federal immigration authorities, it undermines your core mission, stretches already limited resources, and most importantly, causes real harm,' the letter said. Thomas Kennedy, a spokesman for the Florida Immigrant Coalition, said having law enforcement involved in immigration issues could lead to people being afraid to call for help. 'It's a bad deal for our city in general in terms of it being a welcoming place. It's a bad deal for civil rights. It's a bad deal for taxpayers. It's a bad deal for public safety because these police officers are distracted from their tasks,' Kennedy said. The sheriffs' association did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the letter.
