Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is calling for a firm rejection of any involvement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, citing concerns over public safety and community trust.
In a motion put forward to city council, Chow urged federal and provincial authorities to block any potential deployment of ICE agents in Toronto during the global tournament. She argued that the presence of the U.S. agency could create fear, particularly among immigrant communities, at a time when the city is preparing to welcome visitors from around the world.
“Any presence of ICE in Toronto is liable to create fear during a time when we want to welcome the world and ensure that everyone feels safe,” Chow stated, emphasizing Toronto’s identity as a diverse and inclusive city.
The move comes amid growing international scrutiny of ICE’s enforcement practices, particularly following controversial operations and reported incidents in the United States. Protests have also emerged globally, including opposition to ICE’s involvement in international events such as the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Toronto is set to host six matches during the World Cup between June 12 and July 2, with the event expected to draw approximately 300,000 visitors. Chow stressed that the tournament should be a celebration of unity, culture and global connection — not a source of anxiety for residents or visitors.
The motion also requests that Canada’s federal public safety and foreign affairs ministers, along with Ontario’s solicitor general, formally reject any ICE participation in security or operational roles during the event.
While similar concerns were raised in Vancouver — another host city — officials there had previously indicated that ICE agents would not be present.
Chow’s proposal reflects a broader political and social debate around immigration enforcement, sovereignty and how major international events should be managed in multicultural cities like Toronto.