Italian officials have expressed dissatisfaction after the U.S. announced it would send ICE officers to assist with security at the Winter Olympics in Italy this February.
Foreign news agencies reported on 27 Jan 2026 that several senior Italian officials strongly voiced their displeasure after reports emerged that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers would support security operations at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo next month.
Current and former members of Italy's parliament have called on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to intervene and prevent the presence of these officers, following a recent incident where two civilians were fatally shot during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that ICE will serve in a "security role" at the Olympics, adding, "They will certainly not be conducting immigration enforcement operations abroad."
The Associated Press reported, citing sources, that federal agencies have previously supported security for U.S. diplomats at past Olympics, including the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit, which is part of ICE.
Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte urged his government to "define our own boundaries" and "make clear decisions."
"After recent street violence and murders in the U.S., we now hear from their spokesperson that ICE officers will come to Italy to oversee security at the Milano-Cortina Olympics," Conte posted on X on Tuesday.
"We cannot allow this to happen," he added. "Our government tries to downplay the situation, but these latest statements clearly show ICE's determination to oversee 'security' in Italy as well. It's time to stop bowing to them."
On the same day, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala declared that authorities "do not want ICE" to manage security at the Olympics, telling a local radio station, "They are not welcome in Milan."
"This is an armed group that has killed people," Sala told Italy's RTL 102.5 radio on Tuesday. "Can we say 'no' to Trump? This is not about cutting ties or causing diplomatic disputes, but is it time to say 'no'?"
"I believe they should not come to Italy because they cannot guarantee security management aligned with our democratic values," Sala added.
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Source:cnn