The decision by the U.S. government to deploy a unit of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics has ignited significant controversy. The event, scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22 in the scenic cities of Milan and Cortina, will see agents from the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) branch of ICE assisting with security measures. While this initiative aims to bolster safety, it has raised alarms among various Italian officials and the public due to the agency’s contentious reputation associated with immigration enforcement.
HSI is primarily responsible for investigating various cross-border crimes, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and financial crimes. It is essential to distinguish this unit from ICE’s other division, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), which has faced widespread criticism for its role in immigration crackdowns during President Trump’s administration. Officials emphasize that HSI’s involvement in the Olympics is exclusively for security purposes and does not encompass immigration enforcement.
Public reaction in Italy
The announcement of HSI’s presence at the Winter Olympics has prompted an outpouring of criticism across Italy. Many citizens and lawmakers have voiced their disapproval, perceiving ICE as an agency that operates beyond the bounds of humane treatment. Milan’s Mayor Giuseppe Sala has categorically stated that ICE is unwelcome in the city, labeling the agency a “militia that kills.” His strong condemnation reflects a broader sentiment among Italians concerned about the implications of U.S. immigration policies on international events.
Political backlash
In light of recent incidents involving ICE agents in the U.S., including tragic fatalities in Minneapolis, the political climate surrounding this deployment has become increasingly tense. Numerous Italian politicians are demanding assurances that HSI agents will abstain from any form of immigration enforcement during their stay in Italy. Lawmaker Alessandro Zan from the opposition Democratic Party has articulated these concerns, questioning the appropriateness of allowing an agency with a controversial history to play a role in ensuring security at such a prestigious event.
Clarifications from U.S. officials
Despite the backlash, U.S. officials have reiterated that HSI’s role at the Winter Olympics is strictly supportive. According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, HSI’s mission during the games will be to assist the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and collaborate with the host nation to assess and mitigate risks posed by transnational criminal organizations. They have emphasized that all security operations will remain under the jurisdiction of Italian authorities, ensuring local governance over security matters.
Furthermore, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has clarified that it does not collaborate with ICE or any U.S. domestic law enforcement agencies in the planning or execution of the games. Their focus is solely on working with the Diplomatic Security Service, the International Olympic Committee, and local authorities to ensure a safe event.
Ongoing concerns
While the U.S. maintains that HSI agents will operate discreetly, primarily from a control room at the U.S. consulate in Milan, the potential visibility of these agents during the Olympics raises questions. Public protests and online petitions against ICE’s involvement indicate that many Italians remain uneasy about the presence of any U.S. immigration enforcement personnel, regardless of their stated role.
The situation underscores the complex relationship between the U.S. and its allies, particularly during an era marked by contentious immigration policies. As the Winter Olympics approach, it remains to be seen how these tensions will unfold and whether the U.S. government can reassure the Italian public about the nature and intent of its security measures.
