Milan Mayor Condemns US ICE Agents' Winter Olympics Security Role
The Mayor of Milan, Beppe Sala, has reacted with fury and condemnation to the news that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be deployed to support American security operations during next month's Winter Olympics in the Italian city. In a strongly worded statement, Sala declared the agents "not welcome" in Milan, citing recent controversial incidents involving ICE in the United States.
Controversial Security Deployment Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
It has been officially confirmed that ICE agents will be present at the Winter Olympics to assist with American security protocols during the prestigious international event. This decision has prompted significant alarm and anger throughout Italy, with local politicians and European officials voicing their opposition to the presence of what they describe as a controversial US law enforcement agency on Italian soil.
The deployment comes amidst heightened tensions following two fatal shootings involving ICE agents in Minneapolis earlier this month. Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, was tragically shot dead by an ICE agent, sparking widespread anger across America. This was followed by the shooting death of Alex Pretti, another 37-year-old US citizen, during an altercation with agents in the same city just days later.
Mayor Sala's Forceful Rejection on Italian Radio
Mayor Sala, who will be attending the opening ceremony on Friday, February 6, did not mince words when asked about the ICE presence during an Italian radio interview on Tuesday. "This is a militia that kills... of course they're not welcome in Milan," the mayor stated unequivocally.
He further elaborated on his position, adding: "I believe [ICE agents] shouldn't come to Italy because they don't guarantee they conform to our democratic way of ensuring security." This represents a significant diplomatic challenge as the Winter Olympics approach, with security arrangements typically requiring close international cooperation.
ICE Responds with Reassurances About Limited Role
An ICE spokesperson has sought to calm the controversy by stressing that "all security operations remain under Italian authority" during the Olympic Games. The agency released an official statement on Tuesday clarifying their intended role.
"ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is supporting the US Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and host nation to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organizations," the statement explained. It further emphasized that the agency would "obviously" not conduct immigration enforcement operations outside US territory.
Political Backlash Spreads Across Italy and Europe
According to Attilio Fontana, the governor of the Lombardy region where Milan is located, the ICE presence is specifically intended to protect high-profile American officials attending the Games, including US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Nevertheless, the potential presence of ICE agents around Milan has caused outrage across Italy. European Parliament member Alessandro Zan echoed Mayor Sala's sentiments, stating: "In Italy, we don't want those who trample on human rights and act outside of any democratic control."
This controversy unfolds as the Winter Olympics prepare to begin next week, with Team GB hoping for their best-ever performance at the Games. The British team won just two medals four years ago in Beijing, following their most successful editions to date at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, where they secured five medals each time.
The security arrangements for the Winter Olympics have now become unexpectedly politicized, with the ICE deployment creating diplomatic friction between the United States and its Italian hosts. As the Games approach, all eyes will be on how this security controversy develops and whether it affects the atmosphere at one of the world's premier sporting events.
