US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will assist with American security during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, sparking criticism in Italy.
ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will support the US State Department and work with Italian authorities to address transnational crime risks. The agency stressed that operations remain under Italian control and are separate from US immigration enforcement.
The announcement drew strong reactions: Milan’s mayor Giuseppe Sala said ICE was “not welcome,” while MEP Alessandro Zan called it “unacceptable,” citing human rights concerns.
Italian officials initially downplayed ICE’s role, suggesting it would only protect US dignitaries, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi later reaffirmed that ICE “will never operate in Italy,” leaving the issue politically charged as the Games approach.
