Protect World Cup Attendees Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7982

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Immigration

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-05-30T19:41:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Protect World Cup Attendees Act (H.R. 7982)

Purpose

This bill aims to restrict the use of specific federal homeland security grant funds by certain state recipients for civil immigration enforcement activities (non-criminal actions like detaining individuals for potential deportation) during the 2026 FIFA World Cup period, except in emergencies. The goal is to prioritize public safety and event security without routine immigration checks.

Key Provisions

• Funding Restriction: Entities receiving federal funds under sections 90005(a)(1)(B) or 90005(a)(1)(C) of Public Law 119-21 (related to state homeland security grants) cannot use these funds for:
• Participating in the 287(g) program (a federal agreement allowing state or local law enforcement to perform some immigration enforcement tasks under ICE supervision).
• Any civil immigration enforcement under U.S. immigration laws.
• Exceptions: Allowed only under "exigent circumstances," defined as imminent risks of:
• Death, violence, physical harm, or terrorism.
• National security threats.
• Immediate arrest or pursuit of someone posing public safety risks.
• Destruction of evidence in a criminal case.
• Covered Time Period: From 12:01 a.m. on June 11, 2026, to 11:59 p.m. on July 19, 2026 (aligning with key 2026 World Cup matches hosted in the U.S.).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a temporary ("notwithstanding any other provision of law") prohibition on using these specific federal grants for civil immigration enforcement or 287(g) participation.
• Does not alter criminal enforcement or general immigration laws but carves out narrow emergency exceptions.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: State and local homeland security grant recipients (e.g., police departments) face funding limits on immigration activities, potentially shifting focus to event security.
• Citizens and Attendees: Reduces risk of routine civil immigration encounters during the World Cup, benefiting diverse crowds including international visitors.
• International Relations: Supports smooth hosting of a global event by minimizing immigration friction for foreign attendees.
• No broad economic or long-term effects due to the short, targeted timeframe.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• State and Local Governments: Primary recipients of the specified grants, including law enforcement in World Cup host areas.
• Federal Agencies: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as funders and partners in 287(g).
• Immigrant Communities: Less exposure to civil enforcement during the period.
• World Cup Organizers and Attendees: Enhanced focus on safety without immigration diversions.
• Public Safety Officials: Must navigate exceptions for true emergencies.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Overrides conflicting laws temporarily via federal spending conditions (a common congressional tool), with clear definitions to limit challenges; enforceable through fund withholding.
• Constitutional: Relies on federal spending power to influence state actions, potentially raising federalism concerns (tensions between federal and state authority) but limited by short duration.
• Political: Sparks debate on immigration enforcement priorities during high-profile events; neutral on partisan lines but tied to sanctuary-like policies for sports tourism.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2026-03-18: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-18: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Protect World Cup Attendees Act — issued 2026-03-18 — PDF (3 pages)