ICE agents will be deployed to Italy to bolster security for U.S. diplomats at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but Milan’s mayor has publicly rejected their presence.
At a Glance
- ICE agents will support diplomatic security, not conduct immigration enforcement.
- Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala calls the agency a militia that kills and says it is not welcome.
- Italian Interior Minister Matteo Pantedosi says ICE will not operate on Italian territory.
- The AP reported the plan on January 27.
- The Games begin on February 6.
ICE Agents Arriving for the 2026 Winter Olympics
The Associated Press reported on January 27 that ICE agents will have a security role alongside other U.S. agencies at the Games. According to “sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome,” the agents will support diplomatic security details and will not run immigration enforcement. Multiple officials at the U.S. Embassy in Rome confirmed the arrangement.
Milan Mayor’s Opposition
During a local radio interview, Mayor Giuseppe Sala expressed strong opposition. He said:
“This is a militia that kills, a militia that enters into the homes of people, signing their own permission slips,” Sala said, according to the outlets. “It is clear they are not welcome in Milan, without a doubt.”
Sala added, referencing the agency’s record, “I believe [ICE agents] shouldn’t come to Italy because they don’t guarantee they conform to our democratic way of ensuring security.”
Italian Interior Minister’s Response
Interior Minister Matteo Pantedosi initially appeared unconcerned, telling a reporter, “I don’t see what the problem is and it’s very normal.” However, after backlash over recent incidents in Minneapolis, he later clarified:
“ICE will certainly not operate on Italian national territory,” the minister proclaimed.
U.S. Security Strategy
The U.S. has a history of deploying federal agents to major international events to protect its personnel. Key points include:
- Diplomatic Security: ICE agents will work with other U.S. agencies to secure U.S. diplomats and staff.
- No Enforcement: The agents will not conduct immigration enforcement activities.
- Coordination: The plan is coordinated with the U.S. Embassy in Rome and local Italian authorities.
- Historical Precedent: Similar deployments occurred at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where Transportation Security Administration agents were sent.
Historical Context of U.S. Agents at International Events
| Event | Year | Federal Agency Involved | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Olympics | 2016 | Transportation Security Administration | Security support |
| Winter Olympics | 2026 | ICE | Diplomatic security support |
The U.S. has consistently used federal agents to safeguard its interests abroad during high-profile sporting events.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 27 | AP reports ICE deployment plan |
| February 6 | 2026 Winter Olympics begin |
Implications for the 2026 Games
- Security Coordination: The presence of ICE agents will add another layer of security for U.S. officials, potentially affecting the overall security posture.
- Political Tension: Milan’s mayoral opposition could strain U.S.-Italy diplomatic relations if not managed carefully.
- Public Perception: The mayor’s strong language may influence public sentiment in Italy regarding U.S. federal agencies.
Key Takeaways
- ICE agents will support diplomatic security at the Games, not conduct immigration enforcement.
- Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has declared the agency not welcome in the city.
- Italian Interior Minister Matteo Pantedosi affirmed that ICE will not operate on Italian territory.
- The U.S. has a precedent for deploying federal agents to major international events.
- The Games start on February 6, giving stakeholders time to finalize security arrangements.
Coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics will be available on NBC and Peacock.
