Federal government saying little about Toronto's call to block ICE from World Cup

The federal government is not responding directly to a Toronto city council motion opposing the presence of any U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at upcoming FIFA World Cup games.

The motion, brought forward by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and adopted last week, calls on the federal public safety and foreign affairs ministers to reject any ICE deployment.

Toronto will host when Canada opens the tournament against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.

The office of federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Canadian law enforcement agencies are "solely responsible for law enforcement in Canada."

"Minister Anandasangaree remains in regular contact with federal and local partners to ensure the safety and security of all FIFA World Cup events in Toronto and Vancouver," spokesperson Simon Lafortune said in an emailed statement.

In response to a followup question about whether the minister of public safety rejects any possible ICE deployment in Toronto, Lafortune said: "ICE has no authority or jurisdiction on Canadian soil."

A spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand did not answer directly when asked about the prospect of an ICE deployment to Canada.

"Canada looks forward to welcoming the world for the FIFA World Cup. All matters relating to domestic public safety rest with Canadian law enforcement officials," Anand's spokesperson Myah Tomasi said.

Canada is co-hosting the 39-day tournament with the United States and Mexico. Thirteen matches are scheduled to take place in Toronto and Vancouver.

Bosnia-Herzegovina to face Canada in FIFA World Cup opener

Vancouver city councillors also brought forward a motion opposing any ICE deployment at World Cup games in February, but it did not go