Ottawa saying little about Toronto’s call to block ICE from World Cup

By Canadian Press on April 2, 2026.

OTTAWA — The federal government is not responding directly to a Toronto city council motion opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement involvement at upcoming FIFA World Cup games.

The motion, brought forward by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and adopted last week, asks the federal public safety and foreign affairs ministers to reject any ICE deployment in Toronto.

The office of federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says Canadian law enforcement agencies are “solely responsible for law enforcement in Canada.”

It did not respond when asked whether the government has concerns about the possibility that ICE agents may be present at World Cup games in Canada.

Vancouver city councillors also brought forward a motion opposing ICE deployment at World Cup games in February, but it did not go forward.

Canada will face off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12 for the Canadian opening game of the tournament.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2026.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press