ICE Clarifies Role in Canada Ahead of FIFA World Cup, Says Agents Do Not Carry Firearms

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has clarified that its personnel operating in Canada do not carry firearms and have no enforcement authority on Canadian soil, amid concerns over a possible presence during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
In a statement, the agency said officers from its Homeland Security Investigations unit work in coordination with Canadian counterparts on cross-border investigations involving narcotics trafficking, weapons smuggling, human trafficking, and child exploitation. However, it stressed that these agents do not conduct operational activities such as arrests or search warrants in Canada.
ICE currently maintains offices in several Canadian cities, including Toronto and Vancouver, both of which are set to host World Cup matches. The agency also confirmed that its personnel are stationed at diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and consulates in Calgary and Montreal.
The clarification comes after the city council in Toronto, led by Mayor Olivia Chow, passed a motion opposing any ICE presence during the tournament. Canadian federal authorities have also reiterated that domestic law enforcement agencies alone hold jurisdiction within the country.
Canada is co-hosting the 39-day tournament with the United States and Mexico, with 13 matches scheduled across Toronto and Vancouver.
Concerns have also been raised by Amnesty International, which warned that the presence of ICE personnel at major events could create fear among migrant communities and potentially trigger protests. The organization has previously criticised the agency over allegations of aggressive enforcement tactics and civil rights violations in the United States.
Despite such concerns, ICE reiterated that it does not conduct immigration enforcement operations outside the U.S., including during international events.