What's happened
The US ICE agency will support security at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, prompting protests and political debate in Italy. Despite official statements that ICE's role is limited to US delegation security, concerns over human rights and US immigration policies persist. The event runs from February 6 to 22, 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The controversy over ICE's presence at the Olympics highlights tensions between US domestic policies and international perceptions. While Italy emphasizes that ICE's role is advisory, the agency's reputation and recent US incidents have fueled protests and criticism. This situation underscores how security cooperation can become politicized, especially when involving agencies with controversial histories. The Italian government aims to balance security needs with diplomatic sensitivities, but public opposition suggests that the presence of ICE could overshadow the event's spirit of international unity. The outcome will likely influence future US-Italy security collaborations and shape perceptions of US immigration enforcement abroad.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that Italy initially denied ICE's presence but later clarified its support role, emphasizing that all operations remain under Italian authority. The agency's support is described as strictly advisory, focusing on vetting transnational threats. However, the controversy persists, with protests planned and widespread criticism from Italian politicians and civil society. France 24 and Arab News echo these sentiments, highlighting the political tensions and public outrage over ICE's involvement, especially in light of recent US incidents involving civilian deaths and immigration crackdowns. The US government maintains that ICE's role is limited and supportive, but the debate reflects broader concerns about US domestic policies impacting international relations.
How we got here
The involvement of ICE in the Milan Cortina Olympics was announced amid broader US immigration enforcement efforts. Italy initially denied ICE's presence but later acknowledged its support role, which has sparked controversy due to the agency's reputation and recent US incidents involving civilian deaths. The event is a major international gathering with heightened security measures, including thousands of law enforcement personnel and advanced surveillance systems.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Is the US Sending an Armada to the Persian Gulf?
Recent developments in the Middle East have raised questions about US military movements and regional tensions. The deployment of an American armada to the Persian Gulf signals heightened alertness amid escalating conflicts involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel. Many wonder what this military posturing means for regional stability and global security. Below, we explore the reasons behind this move and what it could mean for the future of the Middle East.
-
Why is ICE involved in the Milan-Cortina Olympics security?
The involvement of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the security efforts at the Milan-Cortina Olympics has sparked widespread debate. While ICE states its role is limited to vetting transnational criminal threats under Italian authority, concerns remain about the implications of US agencies operating abroad. This page explores why ICE is involved, the controversies surrounding it, and what it means for international security and civil liberties.
More on these topics
-
James David Vance is an American author and venture capitalist. He is best known for his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, about Appalachian values and their relation to the social problems of his hometown, which attracted significant media attention during the 201
-
Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
-
The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, and commonly known as Milano Cortina 2026, is a forthcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to take place from 6 to 22 February 2026 in the Italian cities of Mil
-
Attilio Fontana is an Italian politician from Varese, Lombardy. A member of Lega Nord, he has served as President of Lombardy since 2018 in a coalition with centre-right parties.
-
The United States Department of State, commonly referred to as the State Department, is a federal executive department responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy and international relations.