U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will play a security role during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games, scheduled for February 6-22, 2026. This information was confirmed by sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, which was independently verified by the Associated Press. The agents will support diplomatic security operations but will not engage in immigration enforcement activities during the event.
ICE’s involvement in Olympic security follows a pattern established in previous Games, where various federal agencies have assisted in protecting U.S. diplomats. Sources noted that the investigative arm of ICE, known as Homeland Security Investigations, has previously been involved in similar security measures. These sources, who requested anonymity due to their non-public roles, emphasized that ICE’s support will focus solely on diplomatic security.
Local Reactions and Official Statements
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from local officials, particularly from Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, who expressed strong opposition to ICE’s presence. In an interview with RTL Radio 102, Sala stated, “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.” His comments underline a significant concern about the agency’s reputation amid ongoing debates about immigration enforcement in the United States.
The Italian government has also issued conflicting statements regarding the role of ICE. Matteo Piantedosi, the Italian Interior Minister, initially reported that he had not received official confirmation of ICE’s involvement but later remarked, “I don’t see what the problem would be,” according to news agency ANSA. On the following Tuesday, the Interior Ministry reiterated that the U.S. had not confirmed the specifics of its security detail, asserting, “At the moment there are no indications that ICE USA will act as an escort to the American delegation.”
U.S. Delegation Details and Community Response
The U.S. delegation to the Winter Games will be led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Second Lady Usha Vance. The White House announced these details earlier this month, emphasizing the significance of the Games in fostering international cooperation and goodwill.
Concerns about ICE’s presence have been amplified following recent incidents in Minneapolis, where ICE agents were filmed threatening a local news crew. This footage aired on RAI state TV and has reignited discussions about the agency’s tactics. In the past three weeks, federal officers in Minneapolis have been involved in two fatal incidents involving protesters against deportation policies.
As the Winter Games approach, the dialogue surrounding ICE’s role continues to evolve, reflecting broader tensions related to immigration and law enforcement in the United States. The situation highlights the complexities of international events where security, diplomacy, and public sentiment intersect.
