Current and former Italian parliamentarians are urging Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to intervene and prevent the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. This strong opposition follows concerns over two fatal shootings during immigration enforcement operations by the Trump administration in Minneapolis, Minnesota, earlier this month.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed ICE's deployment to Italy, emphasizing that agents would only "assume security roles." A DHS spokesperson stated, "They are clearly not conducting immigration enforcement operations abroad."

ICE agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 6/1. *Photo: Reuters*

Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, later added that ICE's Homeland Security Investigations unit would support the US Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and the host nation. Their role is to review and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organizations, with "all security operations remaining under Italian jurisdiction."

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani attempted to reassure his colleagues regarding the use of ICE personnel by US diplomatic security forces. This came amidst growing apprehension about the agency's increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics in the US.

"They are not coming to maintain public order on the streets. They are coming to coordinate in operating rooms," Tajani said. "They are not the people on the streets of Minneapolis."

However, this reassurance did not alleviate the anxiety among many Italian political figures and the public.

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte urged the government to "set its own limits" and "make clear decisions." On 27/1, Conte posted on X, stating, "After the street violence and fatal incidents in the US, we now hear their spokesperson announce that ICE agents will come to Italy to ensure security at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games."

"We cannot allow this to happen," he added. "Our government is trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation, but the latest statements clearly show ICE's determination to come and ensure 'security' right here in Italy. It is time to stop bowing down to concessions."

Olympic and Paralympic symbols photographed in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on 26/1. *Photo: AFP*

On the same day, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala declared that local authorities do not need ICE for Olympic security. He stated on local radio, "They are not welcome in Milan."

"I believe they should not come to Italy because there is no guarantee they will adhere to our democratic security standards," Sala added.

Veteran politician Carlo Calenda, another parliamentarian, warned on television on 27/1 that ICE agents "must not set foot in Italy," describing them as a "violent, unprofessional, and out-of-control force."

ICE agents this month fatally shot two US citizens in Minneapolis, igniting fierce protests demanding the government end large-scale immigration raids.

The controversy has also concerned many Americans living in Milan, who expressed skepticism about the US government's move. They raised concerns about the nation's international reputation under President Trump's domestic and foreign policy agenda.

"I am genuinely confused why ICE agents are coming to Italy? They have no jurisdiction here," one person told CNN.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled from 6/2 to 22/2, taking place across various locations in northern Italy, with Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo as the two main host cities.

By Vu Hoang (AP, CNN, AFP, Reuters)