politics

Nj congresswoman introduces bill to block ice raids near world cup matches

Published on 19/03/2026 17:35 in politics • Elliot Deady

New Jersey Democrat Nellie Pou has introduced legislation aimed at preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids near FIFA World Cup soccer matches in the United States this summer.

Pou

Pou's 'save the world cup' act seeks to ease fears of detention

The bill, dubbed the 'Save the World Cup Act,' would draw a clear line, saying ICE cannot conduct enforcement actions within a mile of World Cup stadiums or fan festivals, Pou said in a statement. The goal is to assure visitors they won't be detained and to remove the 'chilling effect' of ICE presence on the events, she explained.

The World Cup's first US match is set to kick off on June 12, with 11 host cities across the country. '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,' Pou stated.

She cited a recent meeting with ICE Director Todd Lyons, saying he refused to guarantee the agency would stay away from the games, prompting her to draft the legislation. 'There is no successful tournament if fans and players are looking over their shoulders,' Pou argued.

The Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee began expressing concerns in February after Lyons refused to rule out enforcement actions at World Cup venues. This followed the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, which heightened worries about the impact of ICE presence on the event.

The 'Save the World Cup Act' is backed by Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-California), LaMonica McIver (D-New Jersey), and Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi), all members of the House homeland security taskforce overseeing World Cup security preparations.

Swalwell, a former collegiate soccer player, emphasized the importance of showcasing the country's best during the global sporting event, rather than having police activities 'turn everyday public transportation into a place of terror.' The exact timing and distribution of $625 million in security grants awarded to the 11 host cities remains unclear, as the Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down due to an impasse over ICE enforcement policies.