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The upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, scheduled to begin on February 6, 2026, is facing significant controversy. The decision to deploy a unit from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Games has sparked widespread criticism and concern among the Italian public. This tension is amplified by ICE’s controversial reputation in the United States, particularly following recent incidents of violence during immigration enforcement operations.
Italian media outlets have reported that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division will assist the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service during the Winter Games. Although ICE has stated that its role will not involve immigration enforcement, many Italians remain apprehensive about the agency’s presence in their country.
Reaction from Italian officials and citizens
Local leaders, including Milan’s Mayor Giuseppe Sala, have publicly condemned the decision to allow ICE to operate in the city. Sala referred to ICE as a “militia that kills,” indicating that the agency is unwelcome. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among many Italians who are concerned about the ramifications of having ICE agents on Italian soil.
Protests have erupted in response to the announcement, with various groups organizing demonstrations against ICE’s involvement. Activists have initiated online petitions and staged flash mob protests, highlighting strong local opposition to what they view as an intrusive and aggressive presence.
The role of ICE at the Olympics
Despite the backlash, ICE has clarified its intended role at the Olympics. The HSI unit is expected to operate from a control room within the U.S. Consulate in Milan, primarily focusing on security risk assessments and collaborating with local law enforcement. Their efforts will target threats from transnational criminal organizations, which include issues such as drug trafficking and human smuggling.
ICE officials assert that their operations will be strictly supportive and will not involve immigration enforcement. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has emphasized that all security operations during the Olympics will remain under the jurisdiction of Italian authorities. This statement aims to mitigate some of the concerns among locals regarding the agency’s potential actions in Italy.
Background on ICE’s international role
ICE’s involvement in international events is not without precedent. The agency has previously supported security efforts at various major sporting events, including past Olympic Games. Its participation typically focuses on partnerships aimed at combating serious crimes such as human trafficking and drug trafficking on a global scale.
However, recent incidents in Minneapolis, where two U.S. citizens were shot during ICE enforcement operations, have intensified public scrutiny of the agency’s activities. This context has undoubtedly contributed to the heightened sensitivity surrounding ICE’s deployment at the Milano-Cortina Olympics.
Political implications and public sentiment
The political landscape in Italy regarding ICE’s involvement is complex. While some officials advocate for a balanced approach, others, including members of the opposition, have strongly opposed ICE’s presence, arguing that it contradicts the values of the Italian people. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and other politicians have called for ICE to be barred from entering Italy.
This backlash against ICE poses a broader challenge for U.S.-Italian relations, especially in light of recent human rights and immigration policy criticisms. Many Italians are advocating for a clear stance against what they perceive as the militarization of immigration enforcement, echoing similar sentiments expressed by activists in the United States.
Italian media outlets have reported that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division will assist the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service during the Winter Games. Although ICE has stated that its role will not involve immigration enforcement, many Italians remain apprehensive about the agency’s presence in their country.0