US federal agents to have security role at Milan Cortina Olympics

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will take part in security arrangements for the upcoming Milan–Cortina Winter Olympic Games, according to information shared with local media by sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. 

The details were separately confirmed with two embassy officials, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

The sources said on January 27 that federal ICE agents would support diplomatic security operations during the Games and would not conduct immigration enforcement activities. They said ICE personnel would assist with protection duties related to U.S. diplomatic delegations.

During previous Olympic Games, multiple U.S. federal agencies have provided security support for American officials abroad, including Homeland Security Investigations, the investigative arm of ICE, the sources said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly.

The confirmation comes amid political backlash in Italy, particularly from Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, whose city will host most of the ice sports between February 6 and 22.

"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 said before ICE’s role in the Games was confirmed.

Italian media first reported ICE’s expected presence over the weekend, prompting mixed responses from national authorities. The daily il Fatto Quotidiano reported that ICE would be involved in Olympic security, leading officials to issue statements stopping short of formal confirmation.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said that he had not received official notification of ICE’s deployment, but added that "I don't see what the problem would be,'' according to the ANSA news agency.

On January 27, the Interior Ministry reiterated that the United States had not formally detailed the composition of its security contingent, while stressing that “at the moment there are no indications that ICE USA will act as an escort to the American delegation."

The White House has announced that U.S. Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation attending the opening ceremony on 6 February. The delegation will also include second lady Usha Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The confirmation of ICE’s role in Olympic security follows recent controversy in the United States. RAI state television aired footage showing ICE agents threatening to smash the windows of a vehicle carrying an RAI news crew in Minneapolis, where ICE operations have triggered large-scale demonstrations.

In the past three weeks, federal officers in Minneapolis have shot and killed two protesters during demonstrations against deportations and immigration enforcement.

By Aghakazim Guliyev