Italy protests ICE role in US security plan for upcoming Winter Olympics
The planned deployment of US ICE agents to support American security operations during the Winter Olympics has generated growing backlash in Italy which local lawmakers and leaders want to stop through government action.
TL;DR
Italian officials and citizens are criticizing plans for ICE agents to assist US security at the Winter Olympics, citing concerns over sovereignty and recent incidents in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security states that the agents will perform non-immigration enforcement duties at the upcoming Olympics because they have done similar work before.
Outrage grows across Italy after confirmation emerges of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel supporting American security details at the forthcoming Winter Olympics, sparking pointed backlash from national politicians alongside regional authorities.
Focus shifts to ICE agents being sent to assist U.S. safety operations at the upcoming Winter Games in Milan Cortina. Though planned weeks ago, the move now draws criticism from Italian officials. That agency, long questioned domestically over conduct, may weaken trust in how protection is managed during the event. Some parliament members suggest foreign enforcement roles could challenge national authority. Questions arise about oversight when American immigration units operate abroad under diplomatic cover. Public reaction in Italy remains cautious as details slowly emerge through official statements. Security plans traditionally rely on local forces, making outside involvement unusual. The arrangement stands despite concerns voiced across multiple political factions.
On Tuesday, confirmation came through a statement to CNN: personnel movement was acknowledged by the US Department of Homeland Security. In connection with protecting national interests, ICE agents will take on protective roles, though their duties exclude any form of immigration enforcement within Italy. Past involvement of American federal bodies in safeguarding diplomatic staff at earlier Olympics shows prior examples exist. From time to time, these kinds of assignments occur when global events require additional layers of oversight. The presence abroad follows established patterns rather than setting new precedents.
Yet response from Italy's leaders came fast, firm. From former officeholder Giuseppe Conte emerged demand: act now against overseas officers within national borders. His message on platform X stressed necessity, boundaries drawn clearly where international policing reaches. References made to unrest abroad, tied to migrant oversight actions across Atlantic, stirred deeper unease among officials here.
A surge in immigration crackdowns preceded Conte’s comments, after news emerged of two American civilians dying from gunfire by federal agents in Minneapolis. The United States officials declare that officers followed their established protocols but international disapproval has increased together with local protests. CNN and the Associated Press report that these events have created a situation which leads to rising tensions between two parties.
Despite federal offers, Milan's mayor stood firm against outside involvement. Security during the Games remains a matter for local oversight, according to Giuseppe Sala. From his view, collaboration with foreign enforcement bodies introduces complications better avoided. In an interview aired on RTL 102.5, he questioned the fit between such agencies and national values. Democratic principles guide public order here, which shapes official stances. Entry for these agents into city operations holds no justification, in his assessment.
Some members of parliament voiced similar worries. Notably, Carlo Calenda, an experienced figure in Italian politics, stated that permitting ICE personnel to act within Italy would be inappropriate, calling the organization mismatched with democratic oversight abroad. People demonstrate their opinions because news coverage of the subject has generated increased skepticism among the population. The public has increased its examination of official diplomatic talks although government agencies proceed with their scheduled work.
The Associated Press reports that Homeland Security Investigations which operates under ICE security protected United States diplomatic locations during previous Olympic competitions. The agency representatives maintain their involvement at the organization but their scope of work remains restricted. Collaboration happens only alongside authorities of the country hosting the games.
With work advancing toward the Winter Olympics, tensions could tighten talks between Rome and Washington. Though Italy holds back on declaring a move to revise security plans, rising demands within politics indicate silence won’t last long.