ICE Agents to Assist US Security at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy Amid Controversy
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Agents from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be involved in supporting US security operations during the 2026 Milano-
Cortina Winter Olympic Games, which are scheduled to begin on February 6.
The announcement has triggered political and public debate in Italy, coming just weeks before the opening ceremony.
According to US officials, ICE personnel will take part through its investigative division,
working alongside the US Department of State’s diplomatic security teams and in coordination with Italian authorities.
Their role will focus on identifying and reducing potential risks linked to
transnational criminal networks that could threaten the safety of US delegations.
US authorities emphasized that all security operations during the Games will remain under Italian control and that ICE agents will not conduct immigration enforcement activities outside the United States.
The involvement is described as strictly supportive and defensive in nature.
Despite these assurances, the presence of ICE has raised concerns across Italy.
The debate intensified following recent international attention on controversial ICE operations in the United States,
including fatal incidents during immigration crackdowns in Minneapolis that led to widespread protests and criticism.
Italian officials initially denied knowledge of ICE participation before later clarifying that any involvement would be limited.
Regional leaders suggested that ICE agents, if present, would focus solely on protecting senior US officials attending the Games,
including the US vice president and secretary of state, who are expected at the opening ceremony in Milan.
Confusion persisted after conflicting statements from regional authorities,
with some officials later acknowledging they had no confirmed details and were responding to hypothetical questions.
The controversy comes as ICE continues to expand its operations within the US under President Donald Trump’s administration,
deploying thousands of agents to major cities as part of a nationwide immigration crackdown.
These actions have drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and lawmakers.
The situation has added a layer of political tension to preparations for the Winter Olympics, even as organizers stress that security cooperation between nations is standard for major international sporting events.
The United States is also preparing to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where security arrangements are expected to face similar scrutiny.
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