Hundreds of Italian citizens have taken to the streets of Milan in a vibrant and vocal demonstration against the involvement of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the upcoming Winter Olympics. The protest, which unfolded on Saturday, saw participants blowing whistles and singing songs by Bruce Springsteen, echoing tactics frequently employed by anti-ICE activists in the United States.
Security Role Sparks Outrage
This week, it was confirmed that ICE personnel will assist in protecting the US delegation during the Games, scheduled from 6 to 22 February in Milan and the Alpine resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo. While this security support is consistent with the role various federal agencies have played for US diplomats at previous Olympic events, the announcement has ignited significant controversy in Italy.
Personal Stories from the Protest
Among the demonstrators was Umberto Daddario, a 54-year-old industrial chemist, who attended with his 16-year-old daughter, Giorgia. They carried a hand-written placard boldly stating "ICE=FASCISM," reflecting the deep-seated concerns of many protesters.
Fabio, a 49-year-old architect from Milan, joined the demonstration with his wife and their two daughters, aged 10 and six. He explained, "We are here at the request of our daughters who wanted to demonstrate as a protest against what is going on in the USA." This highlights how the issue has resonated across generations, mobilising families to voice their dissent.
Italian Authorities Assert Control
Despite the ICE involvement, Italy has outlined a comprehensive security plan for the Winter Olympics, emphasising that it will retain command over all operations. Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, has been particularly vocal, stating earlier that ICE is "not welcome" in the Italian city. He told RTL Radio 102, "They are not aligned with our democratic way of managing security," underscoring a clash in approaches to public safety.
US Delegation Leadership
The US delegation at the Games will be led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, adding a high-profile political dimension to the security arrangements. This has further fuelled the protests, as demonstrators link the ICE presence to broader US policies.
Roots of the Controversy
The uproar in Italy is largely driven by recent fatal shootings in Minnesota involving ICE agents. On 7 January, mother of three Renee Nicole Good was shot dead in her car after a disagreement with ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The Trump administration has consistently asserted that Mr Ross acted in self-defence, although footage appears to show Ms Good attempting to drive away.
Then, on 24 January, intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was shot dead, with the Department of Homeland Security claiming the agent fired in self-defence after Mr Pretti allegedly had a handgun and resisted disarmament. This account has been contested by eyewitnesses and Mr Pretti's family, deepening public scepticism and anger.
Echoes of US Protests
The Milan protest mirrors similar actions in the United States, such as recent demonstrations in Minneapolis where thousands rallied against ICE. By adopting tactics like whistle-blowing and Springsteen songs, the Italian protesters are forging a transnational solidarity movement, highlighting global concerns over immigration enforcement practices.
As the Winter Olympics approach, the tension between international security protocols and local democratic values continues to simmer, with Milan serving as a focal point for this heated debate. The protests underscore a growing demand for accountability and transparency in cross-border security operations, particularly when they involve agencies with controversial reputations.
