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US immigration agency deploys agents to Italy for Winter Olympics
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed on Tuesday that its agents will support security operations during the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, set to begin on 6 February. The announcement follows reports that sparked criticism and concern in Italy, particularly after two fatal shootings involving ICE officers in Minneapolis.
Italian officials react with alarm
Milan Mayor Beppe Sala expressed strong opposition to the deployment, telling Italian radio that ICE agents are "a militia that kills" and are "not welcome in Milan." His comments came in response to growing public unease over the presence of US immigration officers on Italian soil, exacerbated by recent incidents in Minneapolis.
Italy's Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, initially downplayed the concerns, stating that foreign security delegations could choose their own personnel. However, as backlash intensified-fueled by images from Minneapolis-he adopted a firmer stance, asserting on Monday that "ICE will certainly not operate on Italian national territory."
Role of ICE agents clarified
An ICE spokesperson emphasized that all security operations during the Olympics would remain under Italian authority. The agency specified that its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit would assist the US Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and Italian officials in "vetting and mitigating risks from transnational criminal organizations." ICE also confirmed that its agents would not conduct immigration enforcement outside the US.
US embassy sources in Rome had previously noted that federal agencies have participated in past Olympic Games, though it was unclear whether ICE had been involved before.
Incidents in Minneapolis fuel Italian outrage
The controversy in Italy was amplified by recent events in Minneapolis, where ICE officers were involved in two fatal shootings. On Saturday, Alex Pretti was shot by federal agents, and later that day, two journalists from Italian public broadcaster Rai reported being threatened by ICE officials while covering the agency's activities. Footage showed an agent warning the crew that their car window would be smashed if they continued filming.
Political divisions emerge
Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana sought to ease tensions by suggesting that ICE agents would be deployed primarily to protect high-profile US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, political opponents of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni seized on the issue, criticizing the government's response. Five Star Senator Barbara Floridia accused the administration of "cowardice and subservience towards Donald Trump" for its silence on the matter.
The Interior Minister later clarified that the US had not provided a list of security personnel and reiterated that Italy's state authorities would guarantee security during the Games.
Milan mayor stands firm
"I believe [ICE agents] shouldn't come to Italy because they don't guarantee they conform to our democratic way of ensuring security."
Beppe Sala, Mayor of Milan
Sala reaffirmed his position in an interview with RTL radio, underscoring concerns about the compatibility of ICE's methods with Italy's security standards.
