Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Task Force overseeing World Cup security, served as Ranking Member at today’s hearing and demanded actions from the Trump administration over stalled funding, poor coordination, and mounting security concerns as the tournament rapidly approaches.

“Congress has appropriated $625 million for the 11 cities hosting World Cup matches, including my district . . .  With only roughly four months to go, these cities still report they have not received this funding. This is completely unacceptable this close to kickoff. If DHS is going to play a role in this tournament, then DHS needs to be transparent, coordinated, and timely. The World Cup is a global stage. We need to act like we are ready for it. We’re running out of time,” Congresswoman Pou told her colleagues.

Concern about security funding was bipartisan. In response to questions from Chairman Garbarino, the Chief Operating Officer of the FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee said the Fan Fest could be canceled in 30 days if the city did not receive funding passed by Congress and being impounded by DHS. A representative from Kansas City law enforcement also expressed concerns about security funding delays in answer to inquiries from Pou.

Pou’s district will host multiple FIFA World Cup matches, including the championship game. As Task Force Ranking Member, she has repeatedly warned that ICE enforcement actions and broader security gaps could jeopardize the tournament’s success.

At an oversight hearing on February 10, in response to a direct question from Pou, the head of ICE refused to rule out enforcement activity at or around World Cup games this summer when questioned by Congresswoman Pou. Two days later, Pou led a letter with her Task Force colleagues beseeching the Chairman to call an emergency hearing on ICE’s impact on the coming World Cup.

Congresswoman Pou has been a long-running critic of the Trump administration’s policies and actions that make Americans less safe. On October 14, 2025, Pou led 11 members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation calling on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to restore federal security grant funding that is being slashed by the Trump administration by nearly 50 percent. On January 26, 2026, Congresswoman Pou signed on to a letter demanding that Secretary Noem answer questions about deaths in CBP and ICE custody.

Recently, Congresswoman Pou called on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to explain why ICE agents are systematically hiding vehicle license plates to mask their work and identities. In response, she introduced the PLATE Act (H.R. 7449), legislation that would forbid ICE agents from manipulating their vehicle license plates.