US ICE Agents in Winter Olympics? Italians in an Outrage: 'This Is A Militia That K-lls'

The United States plans to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist with security during the Winter Olympics in Italy, sparking widespread concern and criticism in the host nation.

Mayor of Milan, Beppe Sala, told Italian radio outlet RTL Radio 102, 'This is a militia that kills. Of course they're not welcome in Milan.' He further stated, 'They are not aligned with our democratic way of managing security.'

However, a spokesperson for ICE said, 'all security operations remain under Italian authority.'

The move raises questions about sovereignty, safety, and the reputation of US agencies following recent controversial incidents in Minneapolis.

ICE announced that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of the agency, will support the US Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and the Italian authorities during the Winter Olympics, set to begin on February 6 in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

'ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is supporting the US Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and host nation to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organisations,' it said in a statement.

The agency clarified that its personnel would not conduct immigration enforcement outside the US, emphasising their role in vetting risks from transnational criminal organisations.

While previous Olympic Games have seen cooperation among various federal agencies, the explicit involvement of ICE in Italy's security framework is unprecedented.

US embassy sources indicated that multiple federal agencies had historically participated in past Games, but the specifics regarding ICE's role remain unclear.

Italians and Americans react strongly with concern and criticism

The Italian government has expressed mixed reactions, with some officials initially unaware of ICE's involvement.

Italy's interior minister, Matteo Pantedosi, initially appeared surprised by the announcement, suggesting that foreign security personnel could choose their own security methods. He stated that the Italian government would ensure security and that there was no need for external agencies to intervene directly on Italian soil.

'I don't see what the problem would be,' he later told Italian reporters.

However, as information about ICE's deployment became clearer, public and political reactions intensified.

Mayor Sala voiced strong opposition. On Italian radio, he expressed that ICE, an agency associated with controversial use of force, especially after two fatal shootings in Minneapolis, was unwelcome in Milan.

His remarks reflected a broader unease about the agency's presence and motives.

Meanwhile, online users were quick to ridicule the announcement.

'They should be refused entry by EU immigration/border service,' one user said.

'Quite frankly any MAGA-related person let alone ICE should be inadmissible.'

'Why the h-ll would the American IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT operate at the Winter Olympics in freaking ITALY??? We're living in a parody at this point because this can't be real. What US border are they keeping safe on a different continent?'

'Again, they won't "operate in Italy." The f-cking US Olympic team and couch f-cker Vance choose ICE as their security detail. Nothing we can do about that. It was reported that they choose ICE, perhaps with the shit show going on they will change their mind and get some normal security firm, hopefully. But it's the US and Vance, you never know.'

Controversies from recent US incidents raise alarm

In Minneapolis, federal agents from ICE's Homeland Security Investigations were involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti, an event that drew condemnation.

The incident was followed by reports of ICE officials threatening Italian journalists from Rai during their coverage of the aftermath. The journalists reported that ICE agents warned them that filming could lead to their vehicle being damaged, fueling fears of aggressive enforcement tactics and overreach.

The images and reports from Minneapolis have fueled public outrage, with critics questioning the appropriateness of deploying US federal agents with a contentious reputation to a host country that prides itself on democratic principles and sovereignty.

Italy's government has maintained that security is solely under Italian control. The interior minister reiterated that ICE will not operate on Italian territory, with security arrangements strictly managed by Italian authorities.

The US government has not provided a detailed list of personnel involved, and the focus remains on cooperation rather than enforcement.