The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has confirmed it will support security arrangements for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy this February, despite objections from Italian officials.
In a statement, ICE said its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit will coordinate with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and Italian authorities to identify and mitigate potential threats from transnational criminal organizations.
“At the Olympics, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations is supporting the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the host nation to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organizations,” the agency stated.
The announcement sparked debate in Italy, particularly in Milan, following heightened tensions over the recent shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by U.S. federal agents linked to immigration enforcement.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala initially rejected the presence of ICE agents but later downplayed their role, emphasizing they would provide limited security support for the U.S. delegation.
“This is a militia that kills. It’s clear that they are not welcome in Milan; there’s no doubt about it. They are not aligned with our democratic way of managing security,” Sala said.
ICE clarified that its operations in Italy will not involve immigration enforcement, which remains strictly domestic under its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division.
The protection of U.S. citizens overseas is led by the State Department’s DSS.
Italian lawmakers and officials, including European Parliament member Alessandro Zan, have criticized ICE’s involvement, citing human rights concerns.
“In Italy, we don’t want those who trample on human rights and act outside of any democratic control,” Zan said.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to attend the Olympic opening ceremony in Milan on February 6, with ICE’s role reportedly limited to monitoring their safety.
Lombardy regional president Attilio Fontana initially commented on ICE’s presence in a defensive capacity but later clarified he had no official information about their deployment.
ICE has faced widespread criticism in the U.S. for its domestic immigration crackdowns, which have included controversial enforcement actions in cities such as Minneapolis.
These operations have sparked protests, particularly following civilian deaths, including Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
The Winter Olympics in Italy will see thousands of international athletes and visitors, with security coordination between U.S. and Italian authorities remaining a top priority.
The U.S. will next host the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
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