ICE Agents in Canada Will Not Carry Guns During 2026 World Cup
ICE clarifies that its agents in Canada do not carry weapons or have arrest powers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
US Agency Clarifies Role Amid Security Concerns for 2026 World Cup
As Canada prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has addressed growing public concern regarding the presence of its agents on Canadian soil. Reports from Canada’s national broadcaster, CBC, indicate that ICE personnel operating within the country do not carry firearms and lack the authority to perform law enforcement actions such as arrests.
The clarification follows a surge in local opposition, particularly from Toronto’s City Council, which recently passed a motion formally opposing the deployment of US immigration agents at tournament venues.
Jurisdiction and Operational Limits
Despite having a physical presence in Canada, ICE officials emphasized that their role is strictly collaborative. A spokesperson for the agency stated that personnel work alongside Canadian partners on joint investigations involving:
- Narcotics trafficking
- Weapon smuggling
- Human trafficking rings
"ICE does not conduct operational activities in Canada, such as executing search warrants or making arrests," the spokesperson told CBC.
Despite having a physical presence in Canada, ICE officials emphasized that their role is strictly collaborative.
This sentiment was echoed by a representative for Canada’s federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who confirmed that ICE holds no legal jurisdiction or authority on Canadian soil. While US federal law empowers these agents to detain individuals for immigration violations within US borders, those powers do not extend across the 49th parallel.
Footprint in Host Cities
ICE currently maintains five offices across Canada. Crucially, these include offices in Toronto and Vancouver—the two cities slated to host a combined 13 fixtures during the 2026 World Cup.
The anxiety surrounding US law enforcement presence at major sporting events is not unique to North America. Earlier this year, in February, mass protests erupted in Milan, Italy, as citizens demonstrated against the presence of ICE agents ahead of the Milano Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony.
As the 48-team tournament approaches, Canadian officials remain under pressure to ensure that security measures respect national sovereignty while managing the logistical complexities of a cross-border sporting event.
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Related Coverage:
- The World Cup lineup is complete: 48 teams heading to North America
- Toronto City Council votes on security protocols for 2026