Italy Pushes Back Against ICE Role At Winter Olympics

Italy is facing mounting backlash over the planned deployment of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to support security operations at next month’s Winter Olympics.

The U.S. confirmed that it’s sending ICE agents to be part of security operations at the Winter Olympics.

The announcement sparked outcry in Italy after human rights abuses and killings by ICE agents in Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/3zBvyVB9s2

— AJ+ (@ajplus) January 27, 2026

Critics, including former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, urged the government to block the move, citing concerns over ICE’s tactics during President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

The criticism intensified following the recent fatal shootings of two US citizens in Minneapolis involving ICE agents.

ICE agents will help protect US delegations at the Winter Olympics in Italy, causing a political uproar in the country https://t.co/rjArVRYWQJ pic.twitter.com/wSn2zjQ4Oi

— Reuters (@Reuters) January 27, 2026

US officials said the role will be limited. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations unit will provide advisory and intelligence support only, with no enforcement authority.

The U.S. Department of State said all security operations remain under Italian control. Italian leaders argue local authorities are fully capable of securing the Games.

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff