Olivia Chow is pushing to block U.S. immigration agents from operating in Toronto during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing their presence could undermine the sense of safety the city hopes to project as it welcomes the world.
The mayor has introduced a motion titled “No ICE in Toronto,” calling on city council to formally oppose any role for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency during the tournament. Toronto is set to host six matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Chow said the proposal is rooted in concerns about how international visitors and local communities may perceive the presence of foreign immigration enforcement.
“Toronto is preparing to welcome millions of fans from around the world, and they must feel safe and included,” Chow said. “We cannot allow the presence of foreign immigration enforcement to create fear during a global celebration of sport.”
The motion points to recent high-profile immigration enforcement actions in the United States, arguing they have heightened anxiety among travelers and migrant communities. City officials are concerned that such fears could discourage attendance or affect Toronto’s reputation as a welcoming host city.
“The actions of ICE in recent months have raised serious concerns about safety and inclusion,” the motion states. “Their presence risks bringing fear and disorder, not the welcoming environment this event demands.”
ICE maintains offices in several Canadian cities, including Toronto, though its role is typically limited to coordination and intelligence-sharing rather than enforcement under Canadian law. Still, Chow’s proposal emphasizes that even a perceived presence during the World Cup could have broader implications.
A city official familiar with World Cup planning said the priority remains ensuring a secure and positive experience for all attendees.
“Our focus is on delivering a safe, inclusive event that reflects Canadian values,” the official said. “Any security arrangements must align with those principles and the expectations of visitors.”
Toronto and Vancouver are the only Canadian host cities for the tournament, with millions of visitors expected to travel across North America for matches. The scale of the event has already prompted extensive planning around security, infrastructure, and international coordination.
Chow’s motion also references global backlash tied to security arrangements at other major events, including protests ahead of international competitions in Europe, warning Toronto should avoid similar controversies.
City council is expected to debate the motion in the coming days. If approved, it would formalize Toronto’s opposition to ICE involvement during one of the largest sporting events in the city’s history.
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