The City of Toronto recently approved a motion, led by Mayor Olivia Chow, asking federal ministers to refuse any deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at matches the city will host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Toronto is due to stage the tournament opener on June 12, when Canada plays Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will be one of two Canadian host cities alongside Vancouver. The motion requests that both the federal public safety and foreign affairs ministers explicitly reject an ICE deployment, highlighting concerns about community safety and the message a foreign immigration agency’s presence could send on Canadian soil.
Ottawa’s reply: emphasis on domestic authority
The federal office of Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree responded indirectly, stressing that Canadian law enforcement agencies are “solely responsible for law enforcement in Canada.” A spokesperson noted the minister remains in regular contact with local and federal partners to ensure security at World Cup events in Toronto and Vancouver. When pressed about whether the minister would categorically reject ICE personnel, the statement reiterated that jurisdiction for domestic policing rests with Canadian authorities and that “ICE has no authority or jurisdiction on Canadian soil.” The foreign affairs office offered a similar reassurance, saying Canada looks forward to welcoming the world while domestic public safety matters are handled by Canadian officials.
Why the motion matters to communities
Advocates and civil society organizations warn that any visible ICE presence could chill participation at public events. A new report from Amnesty International flagged risks tied to ICE personnel being deployed to host cities, noting that protests against ICE policies have already occurred in both Vancouver and Toronto. Julia Sande of Amnesty International Canada urged Canadians to send a clear message against cooperation with ICE, arguing the agency’s record could generate fear among spectators, players and local residents. The report specifically raises the prospect of renewed demonstrations if ICE staff were seen providing security during high-profile matches.
History of controversy around ICE
The agency has been the subject of multiple lawsuits and criticism for what critics describe as aggressive enforcement tactics. Reports cite numerous deaths in ICE custody since January 2026, including at least one Canadian, and incidents such as the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota during immigration enforcement operations. These incidents inform public unease and underpin calls from municipal representatives for a formal federal statement about ICE activity in Canada.
Operational and legal context
ICE already operates out of several offices in Canada, including locations in Toronto and Vancouver. Officials point out the agency previously supported security operations at international sporting events, such as this winter’s Olympics in Italy, where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security emphasized that “ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement operations in foreign countries.” The Canada Border Services Agency has said it is “not privy to the organizational details of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” leaving some questions about the scope of cross-border cooperation unanswered.
Scholars and municipal leaders weigh in
Academics and local experts suggest the council motions are intended to reassure residents rather than alter operational realities. Mark Kersten, a criminology professor, asked why ICE maintains a presence in Canada at all given the agency’s controversial record, while MacIntosh Ross, a fellow at Saint Mary’s University, said the motions signal concern and seek clarity. Ross recommended that if anxiety persists, the federal government could simply assert Canadian sovereignty by making a clear public statement that ICE will not conduct enforcement on Canadian territory during World Cup events.
What remains unresolved
With the opening match scheduled for June 12 and a 39-day co-hosted tournament involving the United States and Mexico, the discussion over foreign security personnel is likely to continue. Thirteen matches are planned across Toronto and Vancouver, and municipal motions underscore a broader debate about cross-border cooperation, civil liberties and public confidence in safety arrangements. For many residents and advocates, the central demand is straightforward: a clear federal assurance that domestic law enforcement will remain front and centre and that any foreign presence will not erode Canadian legal authority or community trust.
