Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Anger and political controversy are mounting in Italy following confirmation that agents from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency will be deployed to assist American security operations during the upcoming Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics.
The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Tuesday that ICE personnel will take part in security arrangements for the Games, prompting sharp criticism from Italian politicians across the political spectrum. The backlash comes amid heightened scrutiny of ICE in the United States, following two fatal shootings involving federal agents during a recent immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
According to DHS, ICE’s role at the Olympics will be limited and strictly non-operational. A spokesperson said the agency will serve “a security role” by supporting the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, stressing that ICE agents will not carry out immigration enforcement activities in Italy. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin later clarified that all security operations will remain under Italian authority and that ICE’s involvement is focused on vetting and mitigating risks linked to transnational criminal organizations.
McLaughlin said that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations unit, which specializes in counterterrorism and transnational crime, is supporting diplomatic security efforts in coordination with Italian authorities. US officials noted that similar arrangements have been in place at previous Olympic Games, where American federal agencies assisted in protecting US diplomatic personnel.
Italian authorities moved quickly to limit the scope of the controversy. The Interior Ministry confirmed that only ICE’s investigative branch would be present and that its personnel would operate exclusively within US diplomatic missions, not on Italian streets. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi met with US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta on Tuesday, after which the ministry emphasized that no operational ICE officers involved in immigration enforcement would be deployed on the ground.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also sought to calm public concerns, telling Italian state broadcaster RAI that ICE agents would not be responsible for maintaining public order. He stressed that their role would be confined to coordination and intelligence work within security operations rooms. Tajani rejected comparisons between ICE agents and heavily armed law enforcement units, saying they were deployed specifically for counterterrorism expertise rather than street-level policing.
Despite these assurances, criticism has continued to intensify. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte accused the government of failing to draw clear limits on foreign security involvement. In a post on X, Conte said Italy should not allow ICE agents to operate in the country, arguing that recent violence involving the agency in the United States raised serious concerns about its methods and accountability.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala took an even stronger stance, declaring that the city does not need ICE assistance to secure the Olympics. Speaking to Italian radio, Sala said ICE agents were “not welcome in Milan,” describing the agency as incompatible with Italy’s democratic approach to public security. He questioned whether Italy was willing or able to refuse a request from the administration of US President Donald Trump, stressing that opposition did not amount to severing diplomatic ties.
Other lawmakers echoed the criticism. Carlo Calenda, a senior centrist politician, warned that ICE agents “must not set foot in Italy,” describing the agency as violent and poorly controlled. Over the weekend, Italian media reports detailing ICE’s expected presence sparked petitions and public debate, as concerns grew over jurisdiction, accountability, and the optics of involving a controversial US agency in an international sporting event.
The issue has also unsettled some Americans living in Italy, particularly in Milan, who expressed confusion and concern over the decision. Several told CNN that ICE has no legal jurisdiction abroad and worried that its presence could damage the United States’ image during a high-profile global event. They spoke anonymously, citing fears of professional or political repercussions.
The Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics are expected to draw millions of visitors and intense international attention, placing security arrangements under close scrutiny. While Italian and US officials insist that ICE’s role will be limited, technical, and diplomatic in nature, the episode has exposed deeper tensions over sovereignty, policing models, and the global perception of US law enforcement practices.
As preparations for the Games continue, pressure is growing on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government to clarify the terms of foreign security involvement and reassure the public that Italy will retain full control over Olympic security operations.
