U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will play a security role during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games from February 6-22, 2026. According to sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, this information has been confirmed by the Associated Press through independent verification. The role of ICE will primarily focus on supporting diplomatic security details, without engaging in any immigration enforcement operations.
The participation of ICE agents has sparked controversy, particularly from local officials. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala expressed strong opposition to the agency’s presence, stating, “This is a militia that kills, a militia that enters into the homes of people, signing their own permission slips. It is clear they are not welcome in Milan, without a doubt.” His comments were made during an interview with RTL Radio 102 prior to the official confirmation of ICE’s role.
The announcement follows initial reports from the Italian daily il Fatto Quotidiano over the weekend, which suggested that ICE would be part of the security apparatus for the Games. This led to mixed responses from Italian authorities, who were hesitant to confirm the details. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi noted that he had not received confirmation of ICE’s deployment but remarked, “I don’t see what the problem would be,” according to the news agency ANSA.
On January 30, 2026, the Interior Ministry reiterated that the U.S. had not confirmed the specifics of its security detail. The statement emphasized that “at the moment there are no indications that ICE USA will act as an escort to the American delegation.”
The U.S. delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Their attendance at the opening ceremony highlights the significance of the Winter Games as a diplomatic occasion.
The confirmation of ICE’s role in Olympic security comes against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding the agency’s activities. Recent footage aired by RAI state TV showed ICE agents in Minneapolis threatening to break the glass of a vehicle occupied by a RAI crew. This incident is part of a broader pattern of unrest, as federal officers in Minneapolis have been involved in the shooting deaths of two protesters against deportations and immigration enforcement in recent weeks.
As the Milan Cortina Winter Games approach, the involvement of ICE adds a layer of complexity to the security landscape, raising questions about the intersection of international diplomacy and local sentiments regarding immigration policies.
