• U.S. ICE agents to assist with security for the Winter Olympics in Italy starting February 6.
• Italian officials express outrage at ICE involvement, labeling it as unwelcome and dangerous.
• The role of ICE is primarily to support U.S. diplomatic security measures at the event.
• There are ongoing protests and concerns following recent fatal incidents tied to ICE operations in Minneapolis.

Agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will assist with security operations for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics from February 6 to 22, a decision confirmed by U.S. officials and reported by multiple sources. According to ICE, its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will support the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service to mitigate risks from transnational criminal organizations, while emphasizing that "all security operations remain under Italian authority" and that ICE will not conduct immigration enforcement operations abroad, according to Al Jazeera, Anadolu Agency, South China Morning Post, and BBC.

The announcement has sparked significant backlash in Italy, particularly from Milan's Mayor Giuseppe Sala, who has condemned ICE's role, labeling the agency "a militia that kills" and asserting that they are "not welcome" in Milan. Sala's comments reflect deep-seated concerns about ICE's methods amid outrage over recent fatal shootings of civilians in Minnesota, which have intensified scrutiny on the agency’s activities in the U.S., according to CBS News and Al Jazeera.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi initially downplayed the role of ICE in the Olympics, asserting that "ICE will certainly not operate on Italian national territory." The Italian government has faced calls for clarity regarding the agency's involvement amid fears of its controversial enforcement tactics influencing public safety during the Games, according to South China Morning Post and BBC.

Reports of ICE's conduct in Minneapolis, including threats made toward journalists, have contributed to the tense atmosphere surrounding the impending Olympics. Critics argue that the agency’s presence in Italy during such a significant international event raises serious concerns about human rights and democratic oversight, echoing sentiments expressed by both local and international politicians, per statements from Milan’s Mayor and various sources, including CBS News, South China Morning Post, and BBC.