Canada says Kneecap ban announcement wasn’t made by PMO or CBSA, documents show communications gap

New documents in Canada reveal that the Prime Minister's Office and the Canada Border Services Agency were not involved in announcing Kneecap's entry ban. The move had been publicly tied to a UK terrorism case, but subsequent records show the government did not authorize the statement.

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Later developments show that the ban was based on allegations that were later challenged and a travel-admissibility decision against one member was overturned on procedural grounds.

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Why the ban was announced

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In September, Liberal MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Combating Crime Vince Gasparro cited terror offence charges brought against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh in the UK. He alleged that the artist displayed support for Hezbollah at a London concert, framing the acts as endorsements of violence rather than artistic expression.

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However, within days, Ó hAnnaidh's case was dismissed due to a technical error in how the charge was brought, and new documents show the government did not consult on the public statement.

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Gasparro later asserted on X that Kneecap amplified political violence and endorsed terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, calling those views dangerous and unconnected to art.

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He announced, on behalf of the government, that the group was ineligible to enter Canada. Kneecap responded through social media, denying the accusations and warning of legal action.

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In response to a query, the Prime Minister's Office said they were not involved in the decision, and the Canada Border Services Agency confirmed it had no role in authorizing the announcement or consulting on it.

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Where Kneecap stands now

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As of now, the band remains unable to enter Canada, though not for the reasons cited by Gasparro. Immigration officials cited compliance issues in Ó hAnnaidh's travel documents, with a June 2025 electronic travel authorization canceled for non-disclosure of complete and accurate information on the application.

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The IRCC noted that the applicant can reapply and be evaluated on its own merits, while other Kneecap members' cases are under review. In September 2025, they were told not to travel to Canada until further notice from IRCC.

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Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio known for provocative performances and merchandise, formed in 2017 and comprising Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí. Their work has sparked debate, drawing both fans and critics, and extending beyond music into film and awards.

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Key takeaways

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• The PMO and CBSA say they were not involved in Kneecap's ban announcement.
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• A government statement was based on allegations tied to a UK case, later found to be unconsulted with officials.
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• One member's UK charge was dropped on procedural grounds; immigration rulings emphasize admissibility issues and potential reapplication.
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• Other Kneecap members' applications are under review; travel bans remained in effect pending further guidance.
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• Kneecap's public profile combines language activism with controversy over artistic expression and political messages.
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Expert comment: An immigration policy analyst notes that clear, centralized communication is essential in high-stakes cases to prevent misstatements. The Kneecap episode illustrates how timing and coordination influence public messaging in immigration matters.

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In summary, this episode highlights the need for careful, coordinated government messaging around entry bans and admissibility decisions. Kneecap continues to navigate eligibility processes in different jurisdictions while supporters watch closely for updates.

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“Official statements about entry bans require proper authorization and coordination to avoid misinformation.” BBC report