Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has introduced a motion in city council aimed at preventing U.S. President Donald Trump's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from operating in the city during the FIFA World Cup. The motion, titled "No ICE in Toronto," received support from councillor Paul Ainslie and seeks to express strong opposition to any ICE involvement in Toronto, particularly during the summer event.
The motion outlines several key requests, including asking City Council to direct the Federal Minister of Public Safety and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to reject any proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deployment in Toronto. Additionally, it calls on the Ontario Solicitor General to actively oppose ICE involvement in the city, especially during the FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 12 to July 2, 2026.
Furthermore, the motion recommends that City Council forward its resolution to the Toronto Police Service Board. Mayor Chow emphasized, "Toronto should be a place where everyone feels welcome and safe," asserting that the World Cup should be a celebration of unity without fear for residents and visitors.
The mayor's motion highlighted the concerns surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, pointing to actions in Minnesota where two U.S. citizens were shot by ICE agents. The motion argues that the presence of ICE fosters fear rather than safety, warning that any deployment in Toronto could undermine the spirit of welcome during the World Cup.
Notably, the motion aligns with sentiments expressed by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who has taken a similar stance against ICE's presence during the FIFA World Cup. In February, Sim stated unequivocally that ICE would not be allowed to operate in Vancouver, emphasizing that all security and policing measures would be managed exclusively by the Vancouver Police Department. His statement was made in response to proposed motions by city councillors to oppose ICE's involvement during the matches hosted in Vancouver, which are also part of the World Cup.
In conclusion, the initiatives set forth by both Toronto and Vancouver may reflect broader concerns regarding the role and actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, particularly in the context of significant international events. Both cities are advocating for environments that ensure safety and inclusivity for all individuals during the World Cup festivities.
