U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are set to assist in safeguarding U.S. delegations during the Winter Olympics in Italy, as confirmed by a U.S. embassy insider. This news has stirred controversy among certain Italian politicians. ICE and Border Patrol personnel have faced criticism in the U.S. for their role in enforcing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies following two fatal incidents involving U.S. citizens in Minnesota this month.
The confidential embassy source revealed that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division will provide support to the U.S. State Department’s security service at the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics scheduled from February 6 to 22. While in Italy, HSI agents will not engage in immigration enforcement activities but will focus on mitigating risks posed by transnational criminal organizations, according to the source.
The source emphasized that all security operations will remain under the jurisdiction of Italian authorities. HSI has previously participated in security efforts at major sporting events, including past Olympic Games, to combat issues like human trafficking and drug-related crimes through international partnerships.
Representatives from ICE did not offer immediate comments regarding the operation in Italy. A spokesperson from the State Department confirmed that multiple federal agencies, including HSI, would be assisting with security measures at the Winter Olympics, as done in previous editions.
Meanwhile, Italian politicians have raised objections to ICE’s involvement in the upcoming Games, citing recent controversies surrounding the agency and its impact on the U.S.’s reputation. Some political figures in Italy expressed strong disapproval of ICE’s presence, with concerns about the agency’s actions and reputation.
Despite differing opinions, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged for a restrained response, emphasizing the distinction between ICE’s roles at the Winter Olympics and recent events in the U.S. involving the agency. While ICE personnel in the U.S. are primarily engaged in immigration enforcement, HSI’s primary focus is combating transnational crimes.
Various political parties and groups in Italy have voiced opposition to ICE’s participation in the Winter Olympics, with calls for barring entry to ICE-affiliated agents. Protests against ICE’s involvement are being planned in Milan, with the Italia Viva party and the USB trade union leading efforts to demonstrate against ICE’s presence during the opening ceremony on February 6.