Italian Public, Politicians Decry Inclusion of U.S. ICE Agents in Winter Olympics Security Detail
Source: CNN / Via TikTok
ROME — Plans for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to participate in an international security coordination team for the Winter Olympics have sparked a vocal protest movement in host nation Italy, drawing sharp criticism from citizens and lawmakers alike.
The controversy, amplified through social media platforms, centers on the ethical implications of welcoming agents from an agency whose enforcement actions—particularly family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border—have drawn intense global scrutiny. Critics argue that the presence of ICE, even in a limited advisory capacity, clashes with Italy's constitutional principles and the spirit of international unity the Games aim to promote.
Marco Furfaro, a parliamentarian with the Democratic Party, issued a stern rebuke of the arrangement. "ICE is not welcome in Italy in any form," Furfaro stated. "The government's response should have been unequivocal: our country is firmly opposed to the presence, however minimal or symbolic, of a paramilitary force whose actions are so incompatible with our constitution and our values at the Olympic Games."
Sentiments on the ground appear to mirror the political discontent. In Rome, one resident's blunt remarks captured the anger felt by some: "They can keep them. Frankly, they should lock them all up—they're Nazi lunatics. Calling them fascists doesn't even cover it."
Analysts suggest the outcry reflects broader European unease with certain U.S. domestic policies and a desire to assert ethical boundaries in international cooperation. The Italian government has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the specific concerns raised, leaving room for the debate to intensify as the Games approach.
Voices from the Public
We asked several individuals for their perspective on the controversy:
Giovanna Rossi, History Professor in Milan: "This isn't just about security logistics; it's about the message we send. The Olympics are a symbol of global cooperation and human achievement. Associating them with an agency linked to profound human rights controversies undermines that symbolism. The host nation has a responsibility to vet all participating entities."
Luca Bianchi, Small Business Owner in Turin: "I understand the need for robust security—it's paramount. If these agents are experts who can help ensure safety, then their specific agency affiliation is a secondary concern. The focus should be on practical cooperation to protect athletes and visitors, not political grandstanding."
Elena Conti, Student Activist in Bologna: "It's absolutely disgraceful! This is a blatant normalization of state cruelty. Inviting ICE is like rolling out a welcome mat for architects of trauma. The Italian government must rescind this invitation immediately, or they are complicit in whitewashing a brutal system. Our protests won't stop until they do."
Thomas Reed, Expatriate Journalist in Rome: "The visceral reaction here highlights a deep cultural and political divide in how immigration enforcement is perceived on either side of the Atlantic. For many Europeans, the U.S. approach, embodied by ICE, represents a jarring, punitive model. This incident forces a conversation about the values we prioritize in transnational partnerships."