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ICE Investigative Agents Assigned to Milan-Cortina Olympics Security Prompt Italian Backlash

U.S. officials say the agents will support diplomatic security under Italian authority.

Overview

  • DHS and ICE confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations will assist the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service to vet transnational threats at the Feb. 6–22 Games.
  • U.S. statements emphasize there will be no immigration enforcement in Italy and that all security operations remain under Italian control.
  • Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said ICE is not welcome, and opposition figures as well as some governing coalition lawmakers condemned the deployment.
  • Italy moved to clarify limits on any foreign role, with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi saying ICE "as such" will not operate in Italy and officials describing a liaison or operations-room presence.
  • Public mobilization is building with petitions and an "ICE OUT" rally planned for Feb. 6 in Milan, as the U.S. delegation including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends the opening ceremony.