Milan Mayor Condemns ICE Presence at Winter Olympics
The Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, has declared that agents from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are "not welcome" at the upcoming Winter Olympics. This statement comes amid escalating backlash against the Trump administration's decision to include ICE personnel in a security capacity for the Games, which are set to commence in Italy next month.
Italian Outrage Over Security Decision
The controversy has ignited significant public and political fury across Italy. Thousands of citizens have signed petitions urging the government to bar ICE from entry, following the agency's confirmation that it will deploy a branch alongside the US Diplomatic Security Service to protect high-ranking officials. The decision has been met with particular distress in light of recent fatal shootings involving ICE agents in Minneapolis, which resulted in the deaths of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti and writer Renee Good.
Mayor Sala, whose city is hosting several Olympic events, did not mince words in his condemnation. "This is a militia that kills," he asserted during an interview with Italian radio station RTL 102.5. "It is clear that they are not welcome in Milan. There's no doubt about it. Can't we just say no to Trump for once?" His sentiments were echoed by other prominent Italian politicians, reflecting a broad-based concern over the agency's presence.
Political Figures Voice Strong Opposition
Giuseppe Conte, president of the populist Five Star Movement, expressed alarm at the development. "After street violence and killings in the USA, we now learn from their spokesperson that ICE agents will come to Italy ... We cannot allow this," he stated. Similarly, Marco Furfaro, a Democratic Party MP, told La Repubblica that "ICE is not welcome in Italy in any form." He called on the Italian government to firmly oppose even a minimal or symbolic presence, citing incompatibility with Italian constitutional values.
Initially, Attilio Fontana, the governor of Lombardy, attempted to downplay concerns by suggesting ICE would only serve as bodyguards for US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, he later retracted this statement, claiming ignorance on the matter. Italy's Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, also noted on Saturday that authorities were "not aware at this time and at this stage" of any confirmed ICE presence, emphasising that security remains under national jurisdiction.
US Officials Confirm Limited Role
On Tuesday, US officials formally confirmed that a branch of ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will attend the Olympics. In a statement, ICE clarified that HSI is supporting the US Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and host nation to "vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organisations." The agency stressed that all security operations will remain under Italian authority, and reiterated that ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement operations in foreign countries.
Despite these assurances, the backlash has intensified due to additional incidents. Two reporters from Italian television broadcaster RAI were reportedly threatened by ICE agents in Minneapolis while monitoring operations. Video footage captured agents, armed and wearing bulletproof vests, warning the journalists: "If you keep following us from this point on ... we will break your window and we will pull you out of the vehicle." Peppe Provenzano of the centre-left Democratic party denounced this as an act by "Trump's political police," urging the Meloni government to formally protest.
Mounting Pressure on Italian Government
The situation places considerable pressure on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to respond decisively. Italian politicians are calling on her to stand up to the Trump administration and prevent ICE agents from attending the Games. The public outcry is compounded by the recent dismissal of Gregory Bovino, the border patrol chief leading immigration raids, following the fatal shooting in Minneapolis, as reported by The Atlantic.
As the Winter Olympics approach, scheduled to run from 6 February until 15 March, the debate over ICE's role highlights broader tensions between security protocols and ethical considerations. The Italian government now faces a critical decision in balancing international diplomatic relations with domestic values and public safety concerns.
