US to send ICE agents to Winter Olympics, prompting Italian anger

January 27, 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will support security operations at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, sparking significant controversy among Italian officials and citizens. The announcement came amid heightened tensions following a fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis and threats made by ICE officials toward Italian journalists covering the incident. Italian authorities emphasized that all Olympic security would remain under Italian control, with US agents limited to supportive roles like vetting transnational crime risks from an operations room at the US consulate in Milan.

Who is affected

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the Department of Homeland Security
Italian government officials including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Interior Minister Matteo Pantedosi, and Milan Mayor Beppe Sala
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her political opponents (such as Five Star Senator Barbara Floridia)
US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (as potential protectees)
Italian citizens and security forces (police, Carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza)
Two Rai TV journalists who were threatened by ICE officials in Minneapolis
Italian authorities managing Olympic security

What action is being taken

ICE's Homeland Security Investigations branch is being sent to support American security operations during the Winter Olympics
The US is setting up an operations room at its consulate in Milan where relevant agencies will work during the Games
Homeland Security Investigations is working with the Diplomatic Security Service and Italian authorities to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organizations
Italian authorities are directing and managing all security operations at the Olympics

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a diplomatic tension between the US and Italy over security sovereignty and appropriate law enforcement practices. The controversy highlights international concerns about US immigration enforcement tactics, particularly following fatal shootings and aggressive behavior by ICE agents in Minneapolis. The issue has become politically charged in Italy, with opposition figures using it to criticize Prime Minister Meloni's relationship with the Trump administration, while Italian officials must balance security cooperation with their ally against public concerns about allowing a controversial foreign agency to operate on Italian soil during a major international event.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC