U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will play a security support role during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, according to officials at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, a move that has sparked controversy amid heightened scrutiny of ICE operations.
Embassy officials confirmed that federal ICE agents will assist with diplomatic security for the U.S. delegation during the Games and will not conduct immigration enforcement activities in Italy. The agents are expected to support protective details for American officials rather than take part in policing or immigration-related duties.
Officials said the involvement is consistent with past Olympic Games, where multiple U.S. federal agencies have helped safeguard diplomats and official delegations. ICE’s investigative arm, Homeland Security Investigations, has a global presence and routinely supports major international events, alongside the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. Similar arrangements were in place during previous Olympics, including the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite those precedents, the confirmation of ICE’s role has drawn criticism from Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, who cited recent images of masked ICE agents during unrest in Minneapolis. Speaking to Italian radio before the U.S. confirmation, Sala said ICE would not be welcome in Milan, which is hosting most of the ice events during the Feb. 6–22 Games.
Italian officials initially offered mixed messages. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said over the weekend that he had not received formal confirmation of ICE’s deployment, while adding that he saw no issue with U.S. security agencies protecting their delegation. The Interior Ministry later said Washington had not officially detailed the makeup of its security team and insisted there was no indication ICE would escort the American delegation.
The U.S. delegation to the opening ceremony will be led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside second lady Usha Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to the White House.
The confirmation of ICE’s Olympic role comes amid heightened tensions following recent protests in Minneapolis, where ICE enforcement actions have triggered large demonstrations. In recent weeks, federal officers there have fatally shot two protesters during clashes linked to immigration enforcement, further intensifying debate over the agency’s conduct.
U.S. officials emphasized that ICE’s presence in Italy is limited strictly to security support and mirrors longstanding practices at major global events, even as the announcement continues to draw political and public scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic.
