On Friday, February 13, hundreds of people marched to denounce the ties between GardaWorld and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as Quebec public contracts with the company. Organizers say the Quebec government has awarded roughly $300 million in public funds to GardaWorld, while the company has earned about $111 million from ICE-related contracts. They also pointed to the presence of an ICE field office in Montreal as part of the issue’s local relevance. The demonstration began peacefully but escalated after police in riot gear moved in to contain the crowd, leading to clashes.
Organizers and witnesses report that tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets were used. Six people were injured, one person was taken to hospital, and one arrest was made.
