US Immigration Agency's Role at Italian Winter Olympics Sparks Controversy
In an unprecedented move that has sparked controversy, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been confirmed to take up a security role at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, set to begin on February 6, 2026.
Background and Context
According to multiple sources including Al Jazeera English, The Guardian, and Fox News, ICE agents will support diplomatic security details during the Milan-Cortina games and will not run any immigration enforcement operations. This arrangement has been confirmed by the U.S. embassy in Rome and ICE itself.
This revelation follows recent reports on the controversial activities of ICE in the United States, with several sources including Le Monde and The Guardian highlighting protests against ICE's immigration enforcement actions and its partnership with IT services group Capgemini in finding undocumented individuals.
Key Developments and Contrasting Narratives
The deployment of ICE agents for the Winter Olympics has caused uproar in Italy, with Milan's mayor reportedly stating that the agents were clearly not welcome
in the co-host city, as reported by The Guardian. This sentiment is echoed in other sources such as Corriere della Sera and Fox News, which document Italian officials' discomfort and protest against ICE's involvement. Meanwhile, Deutsche Welle quotes Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani downplaying the controversy, stating It's not like the SS are coming.
Corriere della Sera also reports threats made by ICE agents against representatives of RAI, a major Italian broadcasting network, adding fuel to the controversy. This contrasts with ANSA's report that ICE's involvement would be limited to supporting the U.S. diplomatic security service and Italy.
Implications and Reactions
The controversy over ICE's role in the Olympics comes amidst a broader backlash against ICE's immigration enforcement practices in the United States. In Minnesota, labor unions and progressive organizations have called for an economic blackout in protest against the surge of ICE agents, as reported by The Guardian.
Democrats have also ramped up pressure on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, demanding her firing over deadly actions by federal agents in Minnesota, according to Fox News.
Conclusion and Current Status
As the Winter Olympics approach, the controversy surrounding ICE's involvement continues to heat up. With the global spotlight on the event, the tensions and protests could potentially escalate. As reported by Deutsche Welle, Germany does not have an agency like ICE or masked agents, providing a contrast to the American approach to deportations and immigration enforcement.
With Italy insisting that it can handle its own security for the Olympics, the role of ICE in the highly anticipated event remains contentious. It remains to be seen how this controversy will evolve as the games draw closer.