The federal government has not directly addressed a Toronto city council motion opposing the participation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the upcoming FIFA World Cup games. The motion, initiated by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and approved last week, urges the federal public safety and foreign affairs ministers to disallow any ICE deployment.
Canada is set to host the tournament, with the opening match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina scheduled for June 12 in Toronto. The office of Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that Canadian law enforcement agencies hold exclusive responsibility for law enforcement within Canada. The spokesperson, Simon Lafortune, emphasized that Minister Anandasangaree maintains regular communication with federal and local partners to ensure the safety and security of all FIFA World Cup events in Toronto and Vancouver. In response to inquiries about rejecting a potential ICE deployment in Toronto, Lafortune affirmed that ICE lacks authority or jurisdiction on Canadian soil.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand did not provide a direct response when asked about the possibility of ICE agents being deployed to Canada. Anand’s spokesperson, Myah Tomasi, emphasized that all matters concerning domestic public safety fall under the purview of Canadian law enforcement officials.
Canada is co-hosting the 39-day tournament with the United States and Mexico, with thirteen matches scheduled to be held in Toronto and Vancouver. Vancouver city councilors also introduced a motion opposing ICE deployment at World Cup games in February, though it did not progress.
ICE currently maintains five offices in Canada, including locations in Toronto and Vancouver. Despite the agency’s involvement in security during Italy’s recent Winter Olympic Games, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security clarified that ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement operations in foreign countries.
Amnesty International released a report highlighting the potential risks of any ICE presence in Canada during the tournament. The report raised concerns about possible protests and emphasized the need to avoid cooperation with ICE.
The presence of ICE agents in Canada could instill fear within communities, given the agency’s controversial history and alleged civil rights violations. The federal government faces calls to address why ICE operates in Canada, especially in light of its activities in the United States.
Experts suggest that the motions put forth by Toronto and Vancouver city councils aim to reassure the public. They emphasize the importance of asserting Canada’s sovereignty and ensuring citizens are not subject to ICE activities within the country’s borders. Canadians remain cautious about ICE involvement in games featuring nations from around the world, given the agency’s track record in the U.S. and abroad.