A diplomatic row is brewing between the United States and Italy following confirmation that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency plans to deploy agents to support American security efforts during the Winter Olympics scheduled to open in Italy on February 6.
The announcement, made by ICE on Tuesday, immediately sparked anger and concern in Italy, where critics questioned the presence of an agency recently linked to two fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Italian media reports triggered a swift political backlash, particularly in Milan, one of the cities hosting Olympic events.
Milan’s mayor, Beppe Sala, openly condemned the move, describing ICE as an organisation incompatible with Italy’s democratic approach to security. “This is a militia that kills. They are certainly not welcome in Milan,” Sala told reporters, a remark that quickly spread across Italian and international media platforms.
In response to the growing criticism, an ICE spokesperson sought to reassure Italian authorities and the public, stressing that all security operations would remain under Italian control. According to the agency, its role is strictly supportive and focused on cooperation with US diplomatic security teams.
US embassy officials in Rome also attempted to calm tensions, noting that several American federal agencies have taken part in security arrangements at previous Olympic Games. However, they did not clearly state whether ICE had been involved in past editions, leaving room for continued speculation.
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In a formal statement, ICE explained that its Homeland Security Investigations unit is assisting the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and working with the host nation to assess and mitigate risks posed by transnational criminal organisations during the global sporting event. The agency added that it would not conduct immigration enforcement activities outside US territory.
Despite these assurances, Italy’s interior minister adopted a tougher position, stating unequivocally that ICE would not be allowed to operate on Italian soil. He disclosed that the United States had not submitted a list of security personnel and reaffirmed that responsibility for Olympic security rests solely with the Italian state.
The controversy has intensified domestic political debate in Italy, with centre-left leaders warning against what they view as foreign security involvement that conflicts with Italy’s legal and democratic standards. Mayor Sala reiterated his stance, saying ICE agents should not come to Italy because, in his view, they do not reflect the country’s methods of maintaining public order.
As the Winter Olympics draw closer, the dispute threatens to strain US–Italy relations and raises fresh questions about the limits of international security cooperation at major global events.
