Italy Confirms ICE Role in Winter Olympics Security Amidst Public Backlash
The Italian government has unveiled its comprehensive security blueprint for the forthcoming Winter Olympics, firmly asserting national command over all operations. This comes despite confirming that personnel from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will provide assistance to the American delegation during the Games.
A Monumental Security Operation
Scheduled from the 6th to the 22nd of February 2026, the Winter Olympics represent one of Italy's most complex security undertakings in recent history. The event will span two primary hubs in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, alongside additional venues across the northern regions of the country. Authorities are preparing for an influx of approximately two million visitors, with around 60,000 expected for the opening ceremony at Milan's iconic San Siro stadium. The Games will feature competition from roughly 3,500 athletes.
The US delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In line with common practice for competing nations, the US State Department confirmed that several federal agencies, including ICE, would assist in protecting American visitors, as they have at previous Olympic events.
Italian Command and Limited ICE Role
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi detailed a multi-faceted security operation. It integrates substantial field deployments, intelligence-led prevention strategies, and, notably, the establishment of a 24-hour cybersecurity control room—a first for a major Italian event. The plan involves the deployment of around 6,000 law-enforcement officers across Olympic sites, supported by enforced no-fly zones and restricted-access areas.
However, the Italian interior ministry moved swiftly to clarify the scope of ICE involvement. In an official statement, the ministry asserted that ICE staffers would operate exclusively within US diplomatic offices, such as the consulate in Milan, and would not be present "on the ground" at Olympic venues or in public security roles. The statement underscored Italy's sovereign authority, declaring: "All security operations on Italian territory remain, as always, under the exclusive responsibility and direction of the Italian authorities."
Public Outcry and Planned Protests
These official assurances have failed to quell a significant public backlash. The revelation of ICE involvement has sparked fierce criticism from left-wing groups, trade unions, and opposition parties in Italy. The hard-left USB union has organised an "ICE OUT" rally in central Milan for the 6th of February, deliberately coinciding with the Games' opening ceremony. Further protests are planned for the preceding Saturday.
The backlash stems from the controversial reputation of ICE and US Border Patrol agents in the United States, particularly for their enforcement of former President Donald Trump's stringent immigration policies. Images and reports of their actions have reportedly caused concern in Italy, a nation traditionally considered a close ally of the US.
Advanced Security Measures and Precautionary Zones
Beyond the political controversy, Italy's security plan incorporates several advanced technological measures. The operation will deploy:
- More than 3,000 regular police officers.
- Approximately 2,000 Carabinieri military police.
- Over 800 Guardia di Finanza tax police.
Milan will host the largest contingent of these forces. The strategy also features drone surveillance, robotic inspection systems for hazardous or inaccessible areas, and a dedicated cybersecurity command centre based in Milan. This centre will monitor both Olympic digital networks and critical transport infrastructure, a lesson learned from disruptions experienced ahead of the Paris 2024 Games.
In a bid to prevent public disorder, authorities will activate several "red zones" from the 6th to the 22nd of February. These zones will prohibit access to individuals with public-order convictions, aiming to forestall potential clashes during the high-profile international event.
