ICE joins February Olympics security in Italy, sparking protests from local leaders
Milan, Italy – Web Desk: The upcoming February 6–22 Winter Olympics in northern Italy have sparked controversy after reports emerged that the US immigration agency ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) may assist in security operations, drawing criticism from Italian officials.
According to ICE, the agency’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division will support the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service in vetting and mitigating risks from transnational criminal organizations. ICE stressed that all operational authority remains with Italian security forces.
HSI, which investigates global threats including illegal movement of people, goods, weapons, and sensitive technology, has not previously confirmed participation in Olympic security operations. ICE emphasized that its involvement in Italy is entirely separate from domestic immigration enforcement conducted by its Enforcement and Removal Operations department. “ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement operations in foreign countries,” the agency clarified.
The protection of US citizens attending the Games remains the responsibility of the US State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. Despite these clarifications, ICE’s presence in Italy has provoked strong reactions among local leaders. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, representing the city’s leftist administration, denounced ICE as “not welcome,” calling the agency a “militia that kills” and questioning Italy’s cooperation with US security under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Alessandro Zan, a member of the European Parliament from Italy’s centre-left Democratic Party, echoed these sentiments, describing ICE’s participation as “unacceptable” and stating on X that Italy should not host “those who trample on human rights and act outside of any democratic control.”
The debate highlights broader tensions regarding US immigration policies abroad and the international role of American security agencies. Critics argue that the agency’s involvement in Italy, especially following highly publicized domestic incidents, may damage Italy-US relations and public perception ahead of the high-profile Olympics. Supporters, however, maintain that ICE’s HSI division is focused on tackling organized crime and ensuring the safety of American citizens, not enforcing immigration laws overseas.
As the Winter Olympics approach, Italian authorities and the US State Department continue to stress that the operational command rests solely with Italy, while ICE’s involvement is advisory and intelligence-based. Observers will be closely monitoring both security operations and public response during the Games.
