U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel are set to provide security for U.S. delegations at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, according to a U.S. embassy insider. This confirmation has stirred controversy among some Italian officials. ICE and Border Patrol agents have faced criticism in the U.S. for their involvement in enforcing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, following two fatal incidents involving U.S. citizens in Minnesota this month.
The embassy source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division will assist the U.S. State Department’s security service during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics scheduled from February 6 to 22. The HSI agents’ role will focus on mitigating risks posed by transnational criminal organizations rather than engaging in immigration enforcement activities while in Italy.
The source emphasized that all security operations will remain under Italian jurisdiction. HSI has a history of collaborating with international partners to combat human trafficking and drug-related crimes at major sporting events, including previous Olympic Games, both domestically and abroad.
When asked about the operation in Italy, ICE representatives did not immediately respond, while a State Department spokesperson noted that various federal agencies, including HSI, would be assisting with security measures at the Games.
Despite clarifications that the HSI deployment is routine, Italian politicians have expressed discontent over ICE’s participation in the upcoming event, citing recent controversies that have tarnished the image of the United States. Maurizio Lupi, leader of a centrist party in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition, criticized the move, labeling it as “sheer idiocy.” Milan’s left-leaning mayor also voiced opposition, referring to ICE as “a militia that kills.”
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged for a measured reaction, emphasizing the distinction between ICE agents involved in routine immigration enforcement and those assigned to combat transnational crimes. However, opposition parties, including Italia Viva led by former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, have called for barring ICE-affiliated agents, stating they do not align with Italian values.
The USB trade union announced plans for an “ICE OUT” rally in central Milan on the opening day of the Winter Olympics to protest ICE’s involvement, as concerns persist among Italian officials and the public.