H.R. 7982: Protect World Cup Attendees Act

This bill, titled the Protect World Cup Attendees Act, seeks to restrict how certain federal funds are used by state entities involved in homeland security during a specified period. The main provisions of the bill include:

Limitation on Use of Federal Funds

The Act specifies that recipients of federal funds provided under certain sections of Public Law 119-21 are not allowed to use these funds for:

• Participation in certain immigration programs: Specifically, they cannot engage in programs that enable local law enforcement to act in civil immigration enforcement, as outlined under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Carrying out civil immigration enforcement activities: This refers to actions taken against individuals solely based on their immigration status, other than in cases defined as exigent circumstances.

Covered Time Period

The restrictions detailed in this bill apply during a specific time frame labeled the covered time period, which runs from June 11, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. to July 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m..

Definitions of Exigent Circumstances

The bill defines exigent circumstances under which limited exceptions may be made to the restrictions on using federal funds. These circumstances include:

• The imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm, which could involve situations related to terrorism.
• Any imminent risk to national security.
• The immediate necessity for arrest or pursuit of an individual posing a significant public safety risk.
• The risk of destroying material evidence related to an ongoing criminal case.

In essence, the bill aims to ensure that during the World Cup event in 2026, designated federal funds are not used for immigration enforcement that could affect attendees or the general public, unless there are urgent and serious circumstances that justify such actions.

Relevant Companies

• None found