US lawmakers push to limit ICE presence at 2026 World Cup
Concerns over immigration enforcement are emerging as part of a broader debate about security and public perception ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
With the tournament expected to draw millions of international visitors, some Democratic lawmakers are pushing to limit the role of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) around match venues, arguing that its presence could deter attendance and damage the event’s image.
Legislative push gains traction
According to reporting by The Athletic, Representative Nellie Pou of New Jersey has introduced legislation aimed at restricting how federal immigration enforcement operates during the tournament.
The proposal, referred to as the “Save the World Cup Act,” would prohibit the use of federal funds for ICE-related activity within a one-mile radius of any World Cup match hosted in the US. Pou introduced the bill on March 19, with support from Representatives LaMonica McIver and Eric Swalwell.
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Swalwell has also put forward a separate measure, the “Safe Passage to the World Cup Act,” which would extend similar funding restrictions across entire metropolitan areas hosting matches or FIFA Fan Festivals.
Together, the proposals reflect growing concern among some lawmakers about how visible immigration enforcement could affect both fan turnout and the United States’ international reputation during the tournament.
Impact on local enforcement
The Athletic further reports that Pou and Swalwell are backing an additional proposal from McIver focused on limiting cooperation between federally funded agencies and immigration enforcement efforts during the event.
If adopted, such measures could affect local police departments that participate in so-called 287(g) agreements partnerships that allow local officers to assist federal authorities with certain immigration-related functions.
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According to ICE, these agreements enable law enforcement agencies to help “identify and process removable aliens with pending or active criminal charges.” Critics, however, argue that their use in the context of a global sporting event could heighten fear among immigrant communities and international visitors.
Security concerns and political divide
The legislative push comes amid ongoing debate over ICE’s role in World Cup security planning.
Last month, acting ICE director Todd Lyons said the agency would play a “key part” in ensuring safety during the tournament. In response to concerns raised by Pou, Lyons added: “ICE is dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event.”
Pou has pushed back on that position, warning that visible immigration enforcement could undermine confidence in the event. She has argued that trust in tournament organizers is “plummeting and jeopardising the World Cup.”
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A global spotlight
The United States is set to host 78 matches across 11 cities as part of the expanded 2026 tournament, with the remaining 26 games split between Canada and Mexico.
The competition is scheduled to begin on June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
As preparations continue, the debate over immigration enforcement highlights a broader challenge for organizers: balancing security needs with the welcoming atmosphere expected of one of the world’s most widely watched sporting events.
Sources: The Athletic, ICE
