U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are set to provide security for U.S. delegations at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, as confirmed by a U.S. embassy insider. This announcement has stirred controversy among certain Italian politicians. ICE and Border Patrol agents have faced criticism within the U.S. for their enforcement actions under former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, following two fatal incidents involving U.S. citizens in Minnesota this month.
The embassy source, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division will support the U.S. State Department’s security service during the February 6-22 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. It was emphasized that the HSI agents will not engage in immigration enforcement operations while in Italy but will focus on mitigating risks posed by transnational criminal organizations.
The source clarified that all security operations will continue to fall under Italian jurisdiction. HSI’s involvement in major sporting events, both domestically and internationally, has been noted in the past, including previous Olympic Games, as part of collaborative efforts against human trafficking and drug crimes, according to a former official.
When approached for comments, ICE representatives did not immediately respond regarding the operation in Italy. A State Department spokesperson mentioned that, similar to previous Olympics, multiple federal agencies, including HSI, would be assisting with security measures.
Despite explanations that the HSI deployment is routine, some Italian officials have raised objections to ICE’s participation in the upcoming Games, citing recent damage to the U.S.’s reputation. Maurizio Lupi, a centrist party leader in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition, criticized the decision as “absurd.” The mayor of Milan, one of the host cities, condemned ICE as “a militant force that causes harm.”
In contrast, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for a balanced response, emphasizing that the situation did not equate to the atrocities of the past. While ICE agents in the U.S. primarily focus on immigration enforcement, HSI’s primary mandate is combating transnational crimes.
Italia Viva, an opposition party led by former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, expressed disapproval, stating that ICE-affiliated agents do not align with Italian values and should be denied entry. Additionally, the USB trade union announced plans for an “ICE OUT” rally in central Milan on Feb. 6, coinciding with the Winter Olympics’ opening ceremony.