Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Chief Dale McFee has sparked controversy after advocating for immigration restrictions in a recent podcast. During the December 2 episode of the Quiet Professional podcast, hosted by EPS officer Nathan Romas, McFee claimed that increasing immigration poses risks, stating, “When one more is added, there’s more risk… [Immigration] just can’t be a free-for-all.”

McFee’s remarks drew sharp criticism from community leaders. Omar Yaqub, executive director of Islamic Family and Social Services, countered that Canada’s immigration system is already rigorous, requiring extensive documentation and vetting. “The process can take years, and data shows immigrants are less likely to engage in criminal activity,” Yaqub said. He urged institutions like the EPS to better adapt to Alberta’s growing diversity, adding, “This is an opportunity for EPS to reflect on how it can better serve a diverse Edmonton.”

Other critics echoed these sentiments. Fatema Abdalla of the National Council of Canadian Muslims called McFee’s comments “divisive and ahistorical,” while community organizer Fatima Saleh dismissed his claims of “bad actors” among immigrant communities as tactics to deflect accountability.

The Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Police Commission, and Alberta’s Public Safety Ministry did not respond to inquiries about McFee’s remarks.

McFee’s comments on immigration emerged in a broader discussion about EPS actions during the May 11, 2024, police clearance of an anti-genocide encampment at the University of Alberta. Dubbed the People’s University for Palestine, the encampment lasted two days before a 4 a.m. raid by EPS officers.

Justice Adele Kent, in a third-party investigation, reported that protesters were given only five minutes to vacate after an air horn announcement. Despite this, McFee praised his officers’ handling of the situation, stating it was resolved “quickly” and with “minimal impact.”

However, critics questioned the EPS’s narrative. Freedom of information requests revealed that university security had described the encampment as “extremely peaceful.” Protesters accused officers of excessive force, with video evidence reportedly showing police assaulting demonstrators. Meanwhile, McFee expressed frustration over the dismissal of assault charges against protesters.

McFee also defended EPS policies on homelessness and drug enforcement during the podcast, disputing data showing a 47% increase in homelessness in Edmonton in 2024. Advocates have linked the city’s no-tolerance tent policies to a rise in frostbite injuries and amputations among unhoused individuals. McFee deflected blame, arguing the issue had been “politically motivated.”

Tensions with Edmonton city councillor Michael Janz also surfaced during the podcast. McFee criticized Janz for advocating political mobilization and accused him of promoting divisive policies, including decriminalization and removing armed officers from schools. Janz denied McFee’s claims, describing an earlier misunderstanding when they met at city hall.

Chief McFee is set to retire on February 21, 2025, but his recent comments have intensified debates about policing, immigration, and social policy in Edmonton. Critics hope new leadership will steer the EPS toward greater accountability and inclusivity.

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  Edmonton Alberta