Minister Indicates Citizenship Could Be Revoked for Toronto ISIS Suspect

Minister indicates citizenship could be revoked for Toronto ISIS suspect

The Canadian federal government is considering revoking the citizenship of Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi, a 62-year-old man accused of plotting a terrorist attack in Toronto in collaboration with his son, Mostafa Eldidi, 26. 

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this potential action during a press conference, stating that preliminary work has begun to assess whether there is sufficient evidence to rescind Eldidi’s citizenship based on his alleged involvement with ISIS.

Background of the Case

Ahmed Eldidi and his son were arrested on July 28, 2024, at a hotel in Richmond Hill, Ontario. They face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder for the benefit of a terrorist group. 

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the pair was “in the advanced stages of planning a serious, violent attack in Toronto” when they were apprehended. Authorities reportedly seized an axe and a machete during the arrest, further indicating the seriousness of their alleged plot.

In addition to the charges related to the Toronto attack, Ahmed Eldidi is also accused of committing aggravated assault in 2015 while overseas, which the RCMP linked to a graphic ISIS propaganda video showing the dismemberment of a prisoner. This background raises serious questions about his past actions and motivations.

Citizenship Revocation Process

Miller emphasized that the government has the authority to revoke citizenship if it was obtained through misrepresentation or concealment of material facts. 

This provision has been historically applied in cases involving individuals who lied about their past, such as former Nazis who immigrated to Canada after World War II.

The minister stated, “I’m just disgusted as any Canadian, but I have a responsibility to get to the bottom of it, and I will.” He indicated that his department would conduct a thorough review of Eldidi’s immigration and citizenship history to determine how he obtained his status in Canada and whether any misrepresentation occurred.

Parliamentary Inquiry

In light of the serious allegations and the potential implications for national security, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security voted to call ministers to testify about the Eldidi family’s immigration history. This inquiry aims to shed light on how individuals with such troubling backgrounds were able to enter and remain in Canada.

Mostafa Eldidi, the son, is not a Canadian citizen, which means he could be deported if the Canada Border Services Agency successfully brings a case against him before the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Broader Implications

The case of the Eldidis serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups like ISIS, even after their territorial defeat in Syria in 2019. 

It raises critical questions about Canada’s immigration screening processes and the effectiveness of measures in place to prevent individuals with extremist ties from entering the country.

Miller’s commitment to transparency and accountability in this case reflects a growing concern among Canadians regarding national security. 

The minister’s assertion that “Canadians deserve answers” underscores the public’s demand for clarity on how such individuals were allowed to settle in Canada and what steps will be taken to ensure safety moving forward.

Conclusion

The potential revocation of Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi’s citizenship highlights significant issues surrounding national security, immigration policy, and the responsibilities of the Canadian government to protect its citizens. 

As the investigation unfolds, the case will likely prompt discussions about the adequacy of current immigration screening processes and the measures necessary to prevent similar situations in the future. 

The government’s actions in this instance will be closely watched, as they may set important precedents for handling cases involving individuals with extremist affiliations.