Congresswoman Pou Delivers $1 Million for World Cup Security

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) today joined Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton and law enforcement officers to celebrate securing $1,031,000 to support security efforts at the World Cup with games kicking off in just 67 days.

"In just a few short weeks, the eyes of the entire world will be on this community. Millions of people will travel to our region: for games, for watch parties, fan fests, and events across Bergen County. That brings excitement. It brings opportunity. But it also brings pressure. We have to be ready. I have full confidence in our local, county, and state law enforcement. I know they are ready for this moment. But let's be honest: this is a heavy lift. And while places like New York or Los Angeles may have deeper benches of money and manpower, communities in Bergen County should not have to carry this burden alone. That's where the federal government has to step in and do its part. And today is proof that we did," said Congresswoman Pou.

The funding delivered directly by Pou will help purchase new cameras, vehicle barriers to stop ramming attacks, a bomb detection robot, and additional vehicles to support operations. These are practical tools that make a difference, on the ground, in real time as the games approach.

In addition to the funding secured by Congresswoman Pou's office, Congresswoman Pou, working jointly with Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) secured an additional $1,200,000 in the annual appropriations process for the Bergen Sheriff's Department.

The total $2,231,000 for North Jersey law enforcement was included in the first tranche of appropriations funding (H.R. 6938) passed by the House on January 8, 2026, which included Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment funding. It was enacted into law on January 23.

Congresswoman Pou's district will host multiple FIFA World Cup matches, including the championship game. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee and the Ranking Member of the Task Force overseeing World Cup preparation and security, Congresswoman Pou's advocacy was instrumental in forcing the Department of Homeland Security to finally release $625 million in federal security money that was being held back from host cities.

Pou has also repeatedly warned that ICE enforcement actions and broader security gaps could jeopardize the tournament. At an oversight hearing on February 10, in response to a direct question from Pou, the head of ICE refused to rule out enforcement activity at or around World Cup games this summer when questioned by Congresswoman Pou. Two days later, Pou led a letter with her Task Force colleagues beseeching the Chairman to call an emergency hearing on ICE's impact on the coming World Cup.

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