McIver, Pou, Swalwell, Introduce Bills to Block ICE Mass Deportation Sweeps at World Cup

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) announced the introduction of her Protect World Cup Attendees Act, one of three bills introduced as a package on immigration enforcement during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The other bills were introduced by Rep. Nellie Pou (NJ-09), ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States, and McIver's fellow task force member Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-14). With millions expected to travel to host cities, lawmakers are working to stop the Trump administration from using the event to ramp up its deeply unpopular and deadly mass deportation agenda.

Because of Trump's immigration operations, U.S. citizens and lawful residents have faced racial profiling, violent encounters, and even loss of life during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sweeps in our communities. Civil rights groups and courts have found that ICE and CBP target people based on appearance and language, fueling fear and undermining trust in law enforcement. The bills introduced today ensure that World Cup events-as well as affected transit systems and local safety operations-are not harmed by Trump's dangerous policies.

"Fans from around the world and across the country will travel to New Jersey to watch the World Cup, and keeping them safe means protecting them from DHS attempting to turn this global event into a dragnet for the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda," said McIver. "We fought to secure millions of federal dollars so soccer fans can enjoy the biggest game in the world-they should not be intimidated by immigration enforcement. I'm introducing this bill to draw a clear line that makes sure state and local law enforcement can actually focus on keeping fans safe."

The three Democratic bills would place clear limits on how federal resources can be used for civil immigration enforcement during the World Cup:

H.R. 7982, the Protect World Cup Attendees Act, introduced by Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D-NJ):

• Prohibits State Homeland Security Grant Program funds from being used for civil immigration enforcement at World Cup game sites.

• Prevents state and local law enforcement agencies receiving Federal funds from participating in Section 287(g) immigration enforcement programs during World Cup games in host cities.

H.R. 7986, the Save the World Cup Act, introduced by Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ):

• Prohibits civil immigration enforcement near 2026 World Cup matches or related festivals.

• Ensures that areas surrounding stadiums, parking lots, and fan zones are not used for enforcement sweeps that deter attendance and indiscriminately target communities.

H.R. 7988, the Safe Passage to the World Cup Act, introduced by Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA):

• Bans civil immigration enforcement on public transit in World Cup host cities during the tournament.

"With fewer than 90 days until kickoff, the World Cup should bring the world together and not leave families wondering if ICE agents will be waiting outside stadiums," said Pou. "When I recently asked the head of ICE directly for a simple assurance that they would stay away from the games, he refused. That is unacceptable. So my legislation draws a firm line on the pitch: no ICE raids. There is no successful tournament if fans and players are looking over their shoulders. We want law enforcement to focus on strong security for the World Cup, not meeting civil immigration quotas. We should not allow fear to define this moment and ruin the games."

"How can our country host the World Cup while deporting visiting fans from around the world?" said Swalwell. "As a former Division I soccer player, I know what an honor it is to host the world's biggest sporting event. Our priority should be to showcase our best-not have police commandeering buses, trains, and public spaces. This bill ensures ICE cannot turn everyday public transportation into a place of terror. It is shameful for DHS to trap people with political stunts. We are better than this."

"When we host the World Cup this summer, we must ensure it is a welcoming place for U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and foreign visitors. We cannot allow the Trump administration to use the events to further its horrific and unpopular mass deportation policies. I thank my colleagues for introducing these bills and for their leadership on this issue," added Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02).

Bill Text: H.R. 7982, Rep. McIver

Bill Text: H.R. 7986, Rep. Pou

Bill Text: H.R. 7988, Rep. Swalwell

###