According to sources at the US Embassy in Rome, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will take a limited security role during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, The Associated Press reported, citing embassy officials.
ICE Role During the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
According to the officials, federal ICE officers will not carry out operational security or immigration enforcement in Italy; instead, they will support diplomatic security details for the US delegation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative branch of ICE, was one of the US federal agencies that performed similar tasks at past Olympic Games.
The US Department of Homeland Security’s larger framework for providing security during significant international events encompasses ICE’s involvement. Officers from the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service frequently travel to events such as the Olympics.
US Federal Security Support at International Events
For instance, because of the increased number of tourists and possible security risks during the 2016 Rio Olympics, Transportation Security Administration officials assisted with airport screening.
Citing pictures of masked agents in Minneapolis during demonstrations, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala expressed strong objection to ICE’s presence.
Political Backlash in Milan
“This is a murderous militia that breaks into people’s houses and signs their own consent forms. Without a sure, they are not wanted in Milan, Sala told RTL Radio 102. The majority of ice sports will take place in Milan from February 6–22.
Recent ICE occurrences in the US have intensified the backlash in Italy. The Italian public broadcaster RAI recently released images of ICE agents threatening to smash the glass of a car carrying reporters covering immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.
Media Footage and Public Criticism
The incident fueled criticism of the agency’s methods and behavior.
Italian Authorities’ Reaction
Conflicting statements from Italian officials followed the disclosure of ICE’s activity. Although he had not received official confirmation of ICE’s deployment, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated, “I do not see what the difficulty would be.”
Italian Government Response
Although U.S. officials have not yet confirmed the composition of the security detail, the Interior Ministry subsequently explained that “at the time there are no signs that ICE USA would function as an escort to the American delegation.”
SCRUTINY OF US OFFICIALS AND ICE
Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will head the US delegation for the opening ceremony on February 6.
US Delegation and Security Oversight
The agency is under increased scrutiny as a result of recent operations in Minneapolis, where state TV RAI broadcast footage of agents intimidating journalists.
Two protestors were allegedly shot and killed by federal agents in the city during protests against immigration enforcement and deportations throughout the last three weeks.
Escalating Tensions in the United States
US PUBLIC AND POLITICAL REACTION
ICE’s expanding reach has provoked protests in a number of communities, especially in the wake of high-profile enforcement activities in Minneapolis that generated large-scale demonstrations and a forceful federal response.
Political Fallout and Public Opinion
The US military has stated that troops are available upon request, and President Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act if unrest worsens.
Even though immigration is one of Trump’s defining concerns, recent opinion surveys show that popular support for his approach to the subject has declined.
Declining Support and Calls for Oversight
Democratic lawmakers have called for more supervision of the Department of Homeland Security, citing rising concerns about the scope and tactics of enforcement.
US and Italian officials are working to reduce tensions and define roles as the Milan-Cortina Olympics get closer.
Efforts to De-escalate Ahead of the Olympics
While US officials insist that ICE’s role is restricted to protecting American workers, Italian authorities have emphasized that overall security and public order will remain under national control.
