Pou introduced the Save the World Cup Act, legislation that would block DOJ and DHS from conducting civil immigration enforcement raids within one mile of soccer matches and fan festivals during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Block DOJ and DHS from conducting civil immigration enforcement raids within one mile of soccer matches and fan festivals during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Occurrences
called FIFA’s decision to sell 1,000 tickets for $50 each to New York City residents a publicity stunt that does little to address soaring prices keeping many fans out of the World Cup.
In an opinion piece at The Guardian just last week, Pou warned about "two critical threats" to the success of the upcoming World Cup: withheld security money and the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
Evidence
GovInfo’s bill record shows that H.R. 7986 was introduced by Rep. Pou on March 18, 2026 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The listed purpose is to bar DHS and DOJ civil immigration enforcement within one mile of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches or Fan Festivals.
GovInfo's bill text shows that on March 18, 2026, Rep. Nellie Pou introduced H.R. 7986 and it was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would bar DHS and DOJ from using federal funds for civil immigration enforcement within one mile of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches or fan festivals.
Assessments
Rep. Nellie Pou directly introduced H.R. 7986 to bar DHS and DOJ civil immigration enforcement within one mile of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches or fan festivals, which is a serious legislative attempt matching the promise. The available official record shows only introduction and referral to the House Judiciary Committee, with no enactment or implemented restriction, so the promised outcome was not delivered.
Rep. Nellie Pou introduced H.R. 7986 on March 18, 2026 to bar DHS and DOJ civil immigration enforcement within one mile of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches or Fan Festivals, directly matching the promised policy. However, the bill has only been introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, with no evidence of enactment or implemented executive restriction. Because she is still in federal office and the proposal remains pending rather than definitively failed, the promise is unresolved, with an effort badge for the serious legislative attempt.