Brockton, Massachusetts, a city with a significant Cape Verdean population, will enforce a nighttime curfew on Friday ahead of Cape Verde’s World Cup match against Argentina. City officials announced the temporary safety measure Wednesday, citing a need to protect public safety and reduce criminal activity following recent post-game celebrations.
The curfew, which Brockton Mayor Moises Rodrigues described as a "temporary safety curfew," will be in effect from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday in specific areas of the city. During this period, no one will be permitted to enter establishments serving alcohol after 7 p.m., with last call scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Brockton is home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States, with nearly one in five residents having Cape Verdean heritage. The community often refers to the city as the "11th island" of Cape Verde. The nation's qualification for the World Cup for the first time has drawn jubilant crowds to Brockton after previous matches, with thousands gathering in downtown streets to celebrate.
While city officials acknowledge that the majority of these celebrations have been peaceful, police reported that recent post-game gatherings have been accompanied by violence. According to Brockton police, at least nine individuals have been injured in shootings that occurred after World Cup matches or as crowds convened downtown. Other incidents involved stabbings.
Detectives have released surveillance footage and photos from multiple shootings, including events on June 21 near Main Street and at a gas station later that night, in an effort to identify suspects. Police also indicated they have linked a suspect in a separate investigation to a shooting that took place after a World Cup match.
Officials stated that the curfew will exempt first responders, individuals traveling to or from work, and those seeking medical care. First Amendment activities, such as news coverage, will also be respected.
Police Chief Brenda Perez noted that the department has faced staffing challenges and has utilized mutual aid from the Massachusetts State Police, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and neighboring police departments during previous large gatherings. She confirmed that over 200 officers were deployed for recent World Cup events but declined to provide specific operational plans for Friday's match. Steve Hooke, director of the Brockton Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that the city requested National Guard assistance, but did not disclose operational details or whether the request had been approved.