Controversy has erupted in Italy over the decision to allow US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to take on a security role at the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina. The move has sparked protests from local politicians and activists, who accuse the agency of human rights abuses.
The US embassy in Rome confirmed that ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit would support diplomatic security details during the Games, but would not conduct enforcement operations. The statement said HSI would help vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organisations.
Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, said the agents were not welcome in the city, describing ICE as 'a militia that kills'. He added: 'Can’t we just say no to Trump for once? We can take care of their security ourselves.' Alessandro Zan, a member of the European Parliament, said the presence of ICE agents was unacceptable, accusing them of trampling on human rights.
The controversy follows the fatal shootings of two US citizens by ICE agents in Minneapolis earlier this month, which intensified outrage in Italy. Two opposition parties, the Green and Left Alliance and Azione, launched petitions calling on the government and Olympic organisers to block ICE involvement.
Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, sought to downplay the concerns, saying: 'It’s not like the SS are coming. They’re not coming to maintain public order in the middle of the streets.' The interior ministry stressed that only ICE's investigative arm would be involved, not its operational personnel, and that a US operations room would be set up at the consulate in Milan.
