US ICE Agents to Provide Security Support at Winter Olympics

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will assist in protecting American delegations at the Winter Olympics in Italy, according to a source from the U.S. embassy in Rome. This confirmation follows local media reports and has sparked criticism from various Italian politicians.

The involvement of ICE, particularly its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division, is intended to support the U.S. State Department’s security efforts during the Winter Olympics, scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milano Cortina. The source, who requested anonymity, stated that HSI agents will focus on “mitigating risks from transnational criminal organizations” and will not engage in immigration enforcement activities while in Italy. Furthermore, all security operations will remain under the jurisdiction of Italian authorities.

Historically, HSI has been present at significant sporting events, both in the U.S. and internationally, including Olympic Games and the Super Bowl. A former official noted that HSI’s mission primarily revolves around combating transnational crime, although many agents have been involved in routine immigration enforcement domestically. The source indicated that HSI also participated in the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Political Backlash in Italy

The announcement of ICE’s involvement has elicited strong reactions from Italian politicians. Maurizio Lupi, leader of the right-wing Noi Moderati party, expressed his disapproval, describing the situation as “sheer idiocy.” Despite recognizing the need for cooperation between Italian law enforcement and foreign agencies, Lupi emphasized his concerns regarding ICE’s presence.

Giuseppe Sala, the left-leaning mayor of Milan, openly criticized ICE, referring to the agency as “a militia that kills” during an interview on RTL 102.5 radio. He asserted that ICE agents are “not welcome in Milan,” highlighting the local sentiment against their involvement.

In addition, the centrist opposition party Italia Viva, led by former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, has called for a ban on ICE agents entering Italy. The party denounced ICE as “Trump’s anti-immigration militia,” which they claim represents violence, repression, and human rights violations. Their statement on X, formerly Twitter, labeled accepting ICE’s presence as “madness.”

The hard-left USB trade union has also joined the chorus of dissent, announcing plans for an “ICE OUT – From Minneapolis to Milan” rally in central Milan on February 6, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

As the date of the event approaches, the involvement of ICE continues to be a contentious topic, reflecting broader concerns regarding immigration enforcement and international cooperation in security matters.