With the Department of Homeland Security shut down over Democrat demands to reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement, members of Congress fear the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be insecure.
Republicans on Capitol Hill are especially concerned about funding for security and counterterrorism efforts as the U.S. engages Iran militarily through Operation Epic Fury.
“Amid ongoing military conflict with the leading state sponsor of terrorism and with less than 100 days until we host the largest sporting event in history, Democrats’ political games are threatening public safety by further delaying important federal resources for World Cup host cities,” House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., told The Daily Signal.
Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, told The Daily Signal, “Now is the time to urgently secure venues, counter drone threats, and coordinate law enforcement activity.”
“Instead, Democrats’ shutdown has much of that vital preparation on pause, jeopardizing the safety of millions of Americans and international visitors,” McCaul added.
McCaul is the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events and is intimately familiar with the extensive 2026 World Cup planning. The event will spread across 10 U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
Millions of people are expected to attend games and World Cup events across the country.
Garbarino added that the DHS shutdown is “disrupting federal interagency coordination with state and local law enforcement partners, and undermining the operations and morale of frontline personnel at agencies like TSA and the Secret Service before we welcome millions of international visitors.”
“House Republicans passed a full-year DHS funding bill again,” said Garbarino following a Thursday vote on DHS funding. “But Democrats still chose politics over the safety of the American people.”
Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., told The Daily Signal that “Iran has repeatedly attacked U.S. forces and diplomatic facilities overseas, and we cannot assume those threats will remain abroad.”
“Any lapse in counterterrorism funding increases risk for the American people, which is why I’ve repeatedly voted to fund DHS and support these critical programs,” Evans continued. “It is time Senate Democrats stand with America and do the same.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency told The Daily Signal they have been working on planning efforts for over a year, but with less than 100 days until the event, the agency has been forced to shut down their grant system.
“At the time Democrats blocked funding and triggered the shutdown, DHS was finalizing awards under the FIFA World Cup Grant Program. Because of the funding lapse, FEMA’s grants management system is not operational and significant portions of FEMA’s workforce have been furloughed,” a FEMA spokesperson told the Daily Signal.
“Delays in appropriations directly affect DHS’ ability to finalize awards and support host jurisdictions. DHS stands ready to resume full operations immediately once Congress restores funding,” the spokesperson continued.
“I call on my Democrat colleagues to put public safety over their desire to obstruct this administration and immediately fund DHS—before it’s too late,” concluded Evans.
