Federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel are slated to play a security support role during the forthcoming Winter Olympics scheduled in Milan and Cortina, Italy, confirmed by sources connected with the U.S. Embassy in Rome and corroborated by officials at the embassy. The agents' deployment specifically entails providing assistance to diplomatic security operations rather than undertaking any immigration enforcement activities.
Historically, a range of federal agencies has supplemented security measures for U.S. diplomatic teams at Olympic events, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative subdivision of ICE. Though unnamed, embassy officials indicated that HSI's extensive international presence makes its involvement in multinational security collaborations a routine aspect of its operations under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service frequently undertakes similar roles during such international gatherings, contributing an additional layer of protection for official delegations. The engagement of U.S. law enforcement entities at major global events is customary, as illustrated by the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) airport security support during the 2016 Rio Olympics, which addressed elevated visitor volumes and potential security risks.
Nonetheless, the announcement regarding ICE's involvement has faced opposition at the local level, with Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, voicing explicit disapproval. Referencing images associated with ICE's contentious activities in Minneapolis, Sala characterized the agency as a "militia" known for aggressive domestic enforcement, contending its presence is unwelcome in Milan, where key ice sports will take place from February 6 to 22. Prior to official confirmation of ICE's role, these remarks were made during an interview with RTL Radio 102.
Media reports from the Italian daily il Fatto Quotidiano initially disclosed ICE's intended security role, resulting in varied reactions among Italian officials. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated he had not been formally informed about ICE's deployment yet expressed no objections, as reported by the ANSA news agency. Further clarification from Italy's Interior Ministry indicated the U.S. had not finalized the composition of its security team but reinforced that there is no current evidence to suggest ICE agents would escort the American delegation.
Officials confirmed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance will head the delegation attending the Winter Games' opening ceremony, accompanied by second lady Usha Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, per a recent White House announcement. The disclosure of ICE's involvement followed a broadcast by RAI's state television, which showed ICE agents in an incident involving a news crew in Minneapolis, a city that has witnessed significant protests linked to federal immigration enforcement operations.
Recent events in Minneapolis have included fatal encounters between federal officers and demonstrators opposing deportations and immigration policy enforcement. ICE's presence in such high-profile scenarios has attracted public and political scrutiny, which contributes to the sensitivities around their deployment during international events such as the Olympics.
Additional reporting from AP writer Colleen Barry in Milan contributed to this article.