Safe Passage to the World Cup Act
US bill shielding World Cup visitors from ICE arrest at transit and venues.
Last refreshed: 30 March 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Will ICE arrests near World Cup venues cost the US its biggest sporting moment?
Timeline for Safe Passage to the World Cup Act
Democrats move to ban ICE at World Cup
2026 FIFA World CupWhat is the Safe Passage to the World Cup Act?
Will ICE enforce immigration law at the 2026 World Cup?
Who introduced the Safe Passage to the World Cup Act?
Background
The Safe Passage to the World Cup Act is a US House bill introduced in 2026 by Eric Swalwell (D-CA), one of three Democratic proposals targeting immigration enforcement during the 2026 FIFA World Cup (11 June to 19 July). Swalwell's bill specifically prohibits ICE arrests on public transit routes serving World Cup venues, addressing fears that undocumented fans and workers could face detention travelling to matches.
All three Democrat bills were introduced simultaneously alongside companion measures by Reps. Pou and McIver, the latter targeting Section 287(g) agreements during tournament matches . The bills respond to the broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, which has seen ICE activity intensify near public events and transit hubs since early 2025.
With Republicans holding the House majority, all three bills face near-certain defeat. Their significance lies less in legislative prospects than in signalling Democratic priorities: the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings an estimated 5 million visitors to the US, and enforcement incidents at or near venues could generate significant international controversy for the host nation.