Canadians concerned over ICE actions in U.S.

Key Concepts

• ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): A US federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
• Refugee Claimants: Individuals seeking protection as refugees.
• Jay Treaty (1794): An agreement permitting Indigenous people with at least 50% Indigenous blood to travel freely between Canada and the US.
• Sojourn House: An emergency shelter and transitional house for refugee claimants in Toronto.
• HSI (Homeland Security Investigations): A branch of ICE responsible for investigations.

Concerns Regarding ICE Actions and Refugee/Migrant Safety

The recent actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are raising significant concerns among refugee advocates and Indigenous communities in Canada. Francisco Vidal, Executive Director of Sojourn House in Toronto, asserts that these actions “confirm a lot of the beliefs that… in the Canadian sector, refugee protection sector, we have been saying for a long time that the United States is not a safe country were to uh seek protection.” Vidal, himself a refugee from El Salvador who arrived in Canada in 1991, notes a stark contrast between his experience then and the current climate. He draws parallels between current ICE practices and the “disappearances” experienced in Latin American countries like El Salvador, Argentina, and Chile in the late 1970s and early 1980s, where individuals were detained and their fates remained unknown.

Impact on Indigenous Communities

Native American communities within the US are expressing worry about ICE’s treatment of their people, specifically advising members to ensure they possess proper documentation when encountering ICE agents. This concern extends to Indigenous individuals traveling across the Canada-US border. Indigenous organizations in Canada are issuing warnings to their citizens regarding travel to the US, fearing detention by ICE even with valid documentation.

The historical Jay Treaty of 1794, which allows Indigenous people born in Canada with at least 50% Indigenous blood to freely travel to the US for purposes like travel and education, is being called into question as reports surface of Indigenous people being stopped by ICE despite meeting the treaty’s criteria.

ICE Presence in Canada & Official Response

There is also apprehension regarding the presence of ICE offices within Canada, specifically in Toronto and Vancouver. However, in a statement to CGTN, an ICE spokesperson clarified that “ICE does not enforce immigration laws in foreign countries.” They further stated that HSI special agents do not conduct operational activities within Canada, such as arrests or search warrants, and do not carry firearms while in Canada.

Call for International Collaboration

Vidal expresses hope for a shift in global approach to refugee protection. He envisions “a new paradigm in the world where… hopefully countries will not build walls but rather collaborate to… support people who need protection,” advocating for Canada to take a leading role in this collaborative effort. As Vidal states, the current situation necessitates a move away from isolationist policies and towards international cooperation in providing refuge and support.

Reporting & Attribution

This report is based on interviews with Francisco Vidal and a statement provided by an ICE spokesperson to CGTN. The reporting was conducted by Nina Dere for CGTN, Toronto.