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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will assist with security operations during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games, according to information confirmed by the Associated Press with two sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome.
The embassy sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to comment publicly, emphasized that federal ICE agents would be limited to supporting diplomatic security details and would not conduct immigration enforcement operations during the Olympic Games scheduled for February 6-22.
This arrangement follows established protocol from previous Olympic events, where several U.S. federal agencies, including the investigative component of ICE known as Homeland Security Investigations, have provided security for American diplomats attending the international sporting event.
News of ICE’s involvement has sparked controversy in Italy, particularly in Milan, which will host the majority of ice sports competitions. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala expressed strong opposition to ICE’s presence before the deployment was officially confirmed.
“This is a militia that kills, a militia that enters into the homes of people, signing their own permission slips. It is clear they are not welcome in Milan, without a doubt,” Sala told RTL Radio 102.
The Italian daily newspaper il Fatto Quotidiano first reported ICE’s potential role over the weekend, prompting conflicting responses from Italian authorities who appeared reluctant to confirm the agency’s participation.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi initially stated Saturday that he had not received confirmation of ICE’s deployment but downplayed concerns, telling the news agency ANSA, “I don’t see what the problem would be.”
The Interior Ministry issued a statement Tuesday reiterating that the U.S. has not confirmed the composition of its security detail, insisting that “at the moment there are no indications that ICE USA will act as an escort to the American delegation.”
The White House previously announced that U.S. Vice President JD Vance will lead an American delegation to the February 6 opening ceremony, accompanied by second lady Usha Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The confirmation of ICE’s security role comes at a sensitive time, just days after RAI state TV aired footage showing ICE agents threatening to break the glass of a vehicle occupied by a RAI news crew reporting from Minneapolis, where ICE operations have triggered widespread protests. Tensions have escalated in recent weeks after federal officers in Minneapolis reportedly shot and killed two protesters demonstrating against deportations and immigration enforcement.
ICE has faced intensifying scrutiny and criticism in recent years over its enforcement tactics and detention practices. The agency, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for enforcing U.S. immigration laws, but critics have questioned its methods and oversight.
The Olympic Games typically involve complex international security coordination, with host nations working alongside visiting countries to ensure protection for athletes, dignitaries, and spectators. While it’s common for nations to send security personnel to protect their delegations, the presence of agencies with controversial reputations can create diplomatic tensions.
Neither Olympic organizers nor U.S. officials have commented on the specific duties ICE agents will perform or how many will be deployed to Italy for the Winter Games. The situation highlights the delicate balance between security concerns and international relations that often characterizes Olympic preparations.
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5 Comments
The use of ICE agents for Olympics security is definitely raising some eyebrows. While their expertise could be valuable, the optics are concerning given the agency’s immigration enforcement role. Hopefully they can keep a low profile and avoid any incidents that would overshadow the Games.
The Olympics are such a high-profile event, so I can understand the desire for robust security measures. Still, I share the mayor’s concerns about ICE’s involvement – their reputation for heavy-handed tactics could be problematic. Hopefully they can fulfill their duties professionally and without incident.
I’m surprised to hear about ICE’s role in Olympics security. Given their reputation, their presence could stir up a lot of tension and controversy. As long as they stick to their stated duties and don’t overstep, it could work out. But it’s a delicate situation that bears close watching.
Seems like a tricky balancing act – providing security for the Games while avoiding backlash over ICE’s involvement. I’m curious to see how they navigate this, and whether their role is limited as claimed. The Olympics are a global stage, so they’ll need to tread carefully.
Interesting to see ICE agents involved in Olympics security. I wonder how their presence will be perceived by the Italian public, given the controversy around their immigration enforcement role. As long as they stick to diplomatic security duties, it could work out, but it’s a sensitive issue.