Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to stay out of the city ahead of the FIFA World Cup, despite the agency having no direct law enforcement authority in Canada.

“ICE has no place in this city,” Chow said in remarks promoting Toronto as a welcoming destination for international visitors. “Everyone is welcome. So, stay out ICE.”

ICE is a U.S. federal agency and cannot independently carry out enforcement actions on Canadian soil. Its presence in Canada is limited to coordination and liaison work with local and federal authorities, including offices in cities such as Toronto.

Following Chow’s comments, the Toronto City Council advanced a series of recommendations supporting her position. These included opposing ICE activity during the World Cup and directing city staff to avoid cooperating with the agency. Other measures called on Canadian federal officials to formally oppose any ICE involvement.

Chow, elected mayor in 2023, previously served as a member of Parliament from 2006 to 2014. Born in Hong Kong, she immigrated to Canada as a teenager before entering public service.

Toronto is preparing to host World Cup matches this summer, with officials emphasizing safety and accessibility as the city expects a large influx of international visitors.

Chow’s remarks highlight ongoing political messaging around immigration enforcement, even as jurisdiction over such matters remains outside the authority of municipal leaders and foreign agencies alike.