Members of KYNAW FC team dance during an introduction ceremony before a soccer tournament for immigrant and refugee girls on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Portland, Ore.
A Portland soccer tournament brought girls from immigrant and refugee families together to push back against fear tied to federal immigration enforcement. Organizer Som Subedi said the goal behind Sunday's tournament was joy, unity and a place where families feel safe. Some players have felt the immigration crackdown directly. Fifteen-year-old Valeria Hernandez says her brother inspired her love for soccer but was deported to Mexico late last year. Police officers and members of an immigrant rights group were there to provide a sense of security. Donations covered fees, jerseys and new cleats, so girls could just play.