by InTrieste
The Italian government on Tuesday moved to quell a growing controversy over the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, amid criticism from opposition parties and local officials.
The dispute has highlighted tensions between Italy’s right-wing government, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, and a center-left opposition, while also prompting a rare intervention from the U.S. ambassador to Italy.
The controversy began last weekend when reports emerged that agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative branch of ICE, would be involved in an operational capacity at the Winter Games, scheduled for February 6-22 in northern Italy.
Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi initially denied the reports, saying he was unaware of any plan involving ICE and emphasizing that “even if it were true, the security coordination would remain entirely in Italian hands.”
The issue resurfaced Monday when Attilio Fontana, governor of the Lombardy region, suggested that ICE agents would assist with security for U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who are set to lead the U.S. delegation at the Olympics opening ceremony in Milan. Fontana later clarified that he had not confirmed the presence of ICE agents.
In a post on X, Homeland Security stressed that “ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement operations in foreign countries,” noting that its role at the Olympics would be limited to “vetting and mitigating risks from transnational criminal organizations” and that “all security operations remain under Italian authority.”
Opposition parties, including the Partito Democratico (PD) and Movimento 5 Stelle, have criticized the government for what they describe as excessive deference to Washington.
Milan’s center-left mayor, Beppe Sala, called ICE “a militia that kills” on Radio RTL 102.5, adding: “It’s clear they are not welcome in Milan, there’s no doubt about it.” Members of the Lombardy regional council held signs protesting ICE’s involvement, with PD lawmaker Pierfrancesco Majorino saying, “We don’t want Trump’s thuggish squads here; people who kill civilian citizens.”
As the issue dominated headlines, U.S. Ambassador Tilman J. Fertitta met with Interior Minister Piantedosi to ease tensions. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sought to calm public concern, telling reporters: “It’s not like they’re the ones on the streets of Minneapolis… it’s not like the SS are coming.”
Opposition lawmaker Angelo Bonelli of the Greens and Left Alliance (AVS) responded: “The Gestapo conducted raids with their faces uncovered, while ICE conducts them with their faces covered — and unfortunately, this is the only real difference.” Bonelli also referenced recent U.S. incidents in Minneapolis involving ICE-linked agents.
Giovanni Malagó, president of the Milan-Cortina Olympic organizing committee, said he had heard of ICE involvement for the security of U.S. officials but emphasized that they “will have nothing to do with the security aspects of the Olympics.”
On Tuesday night, Piantedosi reiterated on X that “ICE agents will never be seen on Italian streets” and that law enforcement operations in Italy can only be conducted by Italian authorities. He added that any ICE personnel present at the Games would be limited to risk-analysis and information-sharing with Italian police, without operational roles. Piantedosi is scheduled to provide an update to parliament on Wednesday.
