U.S. ICE Agents to Support Winter Olympics Security in Italy

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel will assist in securing U.S. delegations during the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, according to a U.S. embassy source. This announcement, made on January 27, has generated significant backlash among some Italian politicians who oppose the presence of ICE agents at the event.

The source, who requested anonymity, confirmed that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division will provide support to the U.S. State Department’s security service during the Winter Olympics, scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milano Cortina. While in Italy, HSI agents will not engage in immigration enforcement activities. Instead, their objective will be to “mitigate risks from transnational criminal organisations,” although further details were not disclosed.

The U.S. embassy emphasized that all security operations will remain under the authority of Italian law enforcement. HSI has previously been involved in security at major sporting events, including the Super Bowl and Olympic Games, as part of international efforts to combat human and drug trafficking. A former official noted that while HSI’s primary mission focuses on transnational crime, many agents have also been allocated to immigration enforcement duties within the United States.

Political Reactions in Italy

The involvement of ICE has provoked strong reactions from Italian politicians. Maurizio Lupi, leader of the Noi Moderati party, which is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition, expressed his disapproval, stating, “It seems sheer idiocy to me.” He acknowledged the necessity of coordination between Italian law enforcement and foreign agencies but criticized ICE’s participation.

Giuseppe Sala, the mayor of Milan, described ICE as “a militia that kills,” making it clear that their presence is unwelcome in the city. Speaking on RTL 102.5 radio, he stated, “There’s no doubt about it.”

The opposition party Italia Viva, led by former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, has also voiced strong opposition. They called for ICE agents to be barred from Italy, labeling them as “Trump’s anti-immigration militia” and a symbol of violence and human rights violations. The party’s statement on social media platform X emphasized that accepting ICE’s presence in Italy is “madness.”

In response to ICE’s deployment, the hard-left USB trade union announced plans for an “ICE OUT – From Minneapolis to Milan” rally in central Milan on February 6, coinciding with the Olympics’ opening ceremony. This protest underscores the growing tensions surrounding ICE’s involvement in the event.

As the Winter Olympics approach, the intersection of international cooperation and local sentiments regarding immigration enforcement continues to unfold, with significant implications for the security and political landscape in Italy.