United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Canada clarified that they do not carry firearms, in response to inquiries regarding a potential ICE presence at the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches. An ICE representative mentioned that their Homeland Security Investigations division collaborates with Canadian authorities on joint operations related to drugs, weapons trafficking, and human trafficking. They are also involved in combatting child exploitation and assisting in the identification and rescue of minors.
The ICE spokesperson emphasized that HSI special agents do not engage in operational activities in Canada, such as arrests or executing search warrants. Currently, ICE has five offices in Canada, including branches in Toronto and Vancouver, the cities set to host World Cup games this summer.
Furthermore, Toronto city council recently passed a motion initiated by Mayor Olivia Chow opposing the participation of ICE agents at the upcoming World Cup events in the city. Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree’s spokesperson, Simon Lafortune, reiterated that ICE lacks authority or jurisdiction on Canadian soil, clarifying that Canadian law enforcement agencies are solely responsible for maintaining law and order in Canada.
Canada is jointly hosting the 39-day tournament with the United States and Mexico, with thirteen matches scheduled to be held in Toronto and Vancouver. Although Vancouver city councilors proposed a motion against any ICE deployment at World Cup games in February, the motion did not progress.
Amnesty International released a report on human rights and the World Cup, expressing concerns about potential protests if the U.S. team plays in Canada’s later rounds and ICE personnel are deployed for security purposes. ICE’s involvement in security operations was noted during the recent Winter Olympic Games in Italy, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security emphasizing that ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement activities in foreign countries.
Amnesty International Canada’s Julia Sande highlighted the potential negative impact of ICE officers’ presence on communities, causing fear or apprehension among individuals attending games or events. The report by Amnesty International criticized ICE and other agencies for adopting a paramilitary-style approach, citing instances of aggressive tactics, civil rights violations, and alleged abuses during immigration enforcement operations.
ICE has faced significant controversy and legal challenges due to its agents’ forceful tactics and alleged civil rights violations while detaining and deporting numerous immigrants. Tragic incidents, including the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, as well as deaths in ICE custody, have raised concerns about the agency’s practices since the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency in January 2017.