ICE Clarifies Role in World Cup Security: No Guns, No Arrests in Canada
With concerns about ICE presence at World Cup venues in Canada, the agency states its personnel do not carry firearms or make arrests in the country as the big event approaches.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. immigration enforcement agency, has clarified its role in security operations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place in Canada. Amid concerns about potential ICE deployments at World Cup venues, the agency has stated that its personnel do not carry firearms or make arrests in Canada.
In a statement, ICE emphasized that its agents operate solely within the United States and do not have law enforcement authority in other countries. This means they will not be involved in any security or enforcement activities at World Cup stadiums or other event locations in Canada.
The clarification comes as immigrant rights advocates and some politicians expressed worries about the possible presence of ICE agents at World Cup matches, fearing it could deter undocumented immigrants from attending the games. However, ICE's statement appears to allay those concerns, at least in terms of the agency's direct involvement in Canada.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: Al Jazeera
