Statement by Heather McPherson, NDP Foreign Affairs Critic, on reports that 150 Canadians have been held by ICE this year

Ottawa, August 14, 2025

The NDP are concerned to learn that 150 Canadians, including two toddlers, have been held in detention by ICE this year.

One Canadian child was held for over 51 days - both illegal and inhumane. And one Canadian died while in custody only weeks ago.

Multiple reports from detention centres run by for-profit corrections companies reveal limited access to safe drinking water, education and safe spaces for children, or medical care or legal assistance. This system of arrests, detention, and denial of due process is terrifying communities and removing hardworking people from their jobs and homes.

It is clear the United States under President Trump is no longer a safe place for many, including Canadians.

We urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs ensure that all Canadians in detention receive swift consular service. We call on the Liberal government to tell President Trump in no uncertain terms: these are human rights violations and violations of due process, and this is unacceptable.

We are further alarmed by reports that a Canadian company, GardaWorld, is profiting from the horrific detention centre in Florida known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” We call on the Government of Canada to ban Canadian companies from participating in human rights abuses, including Donald Trump’s system of abusive and oppressive practices towards immigrants and asylum seekers.

For years, New Democrats have also called on Canada to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement, given the United States is not a safe place for asylum seekers. The Liberals have refused the NDP’s calls at every turn.