The planned deployment of the U.S. force for next month’s Winter Olympics has sparked an outcry
AFP has reported that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has confirmed it will send agents to take on a controversial security role at next month’s Winter Olympics in Italy. The plan for the Milano Cortina Games, held February 6–22, has drawn significant criticism within Italy.
The backlash arises from recent high-profile incidents involving ICE in the U.S., such as the deaths of two American citizens—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—during encounters with the agency’s agents in Minneapolis. These incidents prompted public outcry and widespread protests. Thousands of ICE agents have been deployed across various U.S. cities to conduct a crackdown on illegal immigration.
AFP reported on Tuesday, citing an agency statement, that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations unit will work with Italian authorities to “vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organizations” during the Games. It added that all security operations will remain under Italian command, and no immigration enforcement will be carried out overseas.
Italian officials initially denied the plans and tried to downplay the role, claiming ICE would only assist with security for the U.S. delegation. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to attend the Olympic Opening Ceremony in Milan on February 6.
The planned deployment has faced strong condemnation from Italian politicians. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala described ICE agents as “a militia” that is “not welcome in Milan,” according to ANSA on Tuesday. The mayor’s position aligns with criticism from Italian opposition parties, which have filed parliamentary questions denouncing the potential involvement of ICE agents and accusing them of “disproportionate use of force,” per Italian news agency AGI.
As of Tuesday morning, an online petition calling for ICE agents to be barred from the Milano Cortina Olympics had gathered more than 14,600 signatures.
The 25th Winter Olympics will be held in the Alpine cities of Milan and Cortina, with athletes from 93 countries—including Russia—participating.