Controversial ICE Agents to Secure 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

U.S. Immigration Agency's Role in Olympic Security Sparks Outrage

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency will provide security support for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, a decision that has ignited significant controversy on both sides of the Atlantic. ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) branch will assist the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and Italian authorities with vetting and mitigating risks from transnational criminal organizations during the February 6-22 Games in northern Italy.

Italian Opposition and U.S. Controversy

The announcement has generated outrage due to ICE's controversial reputation from its often aggressive immigration enforcement operations in the United States. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has strongly criticized the deployment, stating: 'This is a militia that kills. They are not welcome in Milan.' The mayor's comments reflect growing concern among Italian officials about the agency's involvement in securing the Olympic venues.

ICE has been at the center of controversy in recent months following fatal shootings during immigration raids in Minneapolis. In January 2026, Renée Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent, and just weeks later, Alex Pretti was fatally shot while trying to help a fellow protester. These incidents have fueled protests across the United States and raised questions about the agency's tactics.

Security Details and Official Responses

According to U.S. officials, all security operations will remain under Italian authority. An ICE spokesperson told AFP that HSI will work to 'assess and reduce risks from international criminal organizations' during the Games. The agency emphasized that 'ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement abroad' and that their role will be strictly limited to supporting diplomatic security operations.

Italian officials have expressed conflicting views. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated he sees 'no problem' with ICE involvement, while President Attilio Fontana of the Lombardy region, where the Games will be held, expressed confidence that 'nothing will happen.' However, national authorities initially denied ICE would play any role at all.

Historical Context and Agency Background

ICE was created in 2003 following the September 11 attacks as part of the Department of Homeland Security. The agency has two main divisions: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which focuses on transnational crime, and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), which handles immigration enforcement. According to Wikipedia, ICE has been involved in multiple controversies throughout its existence, with significant increases in criticism during the Trump administration.

Federal police agencies have historically assisted with securing U.S. athletes at international events, as American competitors have traditionally been potential targets for terrorists. The Diplomatic Security Service has been represented in Italy for two years leading up to the Games and will deploy approximately one hundred personnel for security tasks.

Political Fallout and Future Implications

The controversy highlights tensions between security needs and human rights concerns in international cooperation. Two Italian opposition parties have started petitions to prevent ICE involvement, citing human rights concerns. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte urged the government to 'set our own limits' regarding foreign security assistance.

As CNN reported, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani attempted to downplay concerns, stating ICE agents would only collaborate in operations rooms rather than maintain public order on streets. However, critics remain unconvinced, pointing to the agency's recent history in the United States.

The exact number of ICE agents to be deployed and their specific locations have not been disclosed. According to the Italian Interior Ministry, these agents will not be used to protect Americans on-site, but will instead focus on intelligence and coordination activities.