US Immigration Officials Clarify Gun Policy for Canadian Operations Ahead of World Cup

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Personnel to Operate in Canada During World Cup

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel will be present in Canada during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will be cohosted by the two countries. According to an ICE spokesperson, quoted by Canada’s state broadcaster CBC, agency agents do not carry guns while operating in Canada.

ICE agents work with Canadian partners on joint investigations involving narcotics, weapons smuggling, and human trafficking. The agency operates out of five offices in Canada, including in World Cup host cities Toronto and Vancouver. However, the presence of US agents has raised concerns about their potential deployment at venues hosting World Cup games.

Toronto’s city council recently passed a motion opposing such a move. In response to these concerns, an ICE spokesperson stated that its agents do not conduct operational activities in Canada, such as executing search warrants or making arrests. According to federal law, immigration agents have the authority to arrest and detain people believed to have violated immigration law in the US.

A spokesperson for federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also confirmed that ICE has no authority or jurisdiction on Canadian soil. The agency’s presence in Canada is expected to be limited to joint investigations with Canadian partners.

Source: Al Jazeera