ICE Protest Pops Up In Foreign Nation
Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Milan over the weekend to protest the involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
ICE officials are expected to assist with security coordination for the Milano–Cortina Winter Games, part of a broader international effort to protect athletes, spectators, and visiting dignitaries. The announcement, however, sparked protests from left-wing activists and members of Italy’s opposition parties.
The demonstration took place in Piazza XXV Aprile, a historic square associated with Italy’s post–World War II liberation. During the rally, some protesters made controversial comparisons between U.S. immigration enforcement and authoritarian regimes of the past—claims that critics argue are politically charged and historically misleading.
Several demonstrators told reporters they oppose any presence of American immigration authorities in Italy, even in a non-enforcement role. Others accused ICE of engaging in practices they believe should not be associated with an international sporting event.
The protests were organized in part by Italy’s Democratic Party, which has since introduced legislation aimed at limiting ICE’s role strictly to Olympic-related security cooperation. Party officials framed the issue as a broader objection to U.S. border policies rather than a concern specific to the Games themselves.
U.S. officials have pushed back on the criticism, stressing that ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement outside the United States. In a public statement, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations unit is assisting with threat assessment, vetting, and countering transnational criminal activity, working alongside U.S. diplomatic security and Italian authorities.
Despite those assurances, some local leaders have continued to object. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala publicly criticized ICE’s involvement, referencing recent violent incidents in the United States and stating that the agency is not welcome in the city.
Supporters of the security partnership argue that international cooperation is standard practice for major global events like the Olympics and warn that political opposition could distract from essential safety preparations as the Games approach.
