Protests Erupt in Milan Over U.S. ICE Agents' Role in 2026 Winter Olympics Security
MILAN — As preparations intensify for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, a political chill has settled over Italy's fashion capital. The planned involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Games security has sparked significant public backlash, culminating in large-scale street protests this weekend.
On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators flooded into Milan's Piazza XXV Aprile—a square symbolically named for Italy's 1945 liberation from fascism. Their target: the Trump administration's decision to deploy ICE personnel to assist Italian authorities with Olympic security. Organizers chose the location deliberately, drawing a parallel between historical fascism and what they label as America's contemporary democratic backsliding.
The protest served a dual purpose. While directly opposing the presence of ICE on Italian soil, it also acted as a broader condemnation of U.S. immigration policies under former President Donald Trump. Many protesters expressed alarm over incidents involving ICE in the U.S., including the fatal shootings of protesters and the detention of migrant children.
"We are not just talking about security for a sporting event," said Alessandro Capella, head of the Italian Democratic Party's Milan chapter, in an interview. "This is about the kind of justice we want to represent on a global stage. We do not want an agency with such a controversial record operating here."
In response to the initial outcry, the U.S. and Italian governments have sought to clarify the agents' role. Following a meeting between U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, the Italian Interior Ministry released a statement outlining a scaled-back plan.
The statement confirmed that U.S. personnel, including experts from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), would operate solely from a dedicated room within the U.S. Consulate in Milan. It emphasized these would not be "operational personnel" involved in U.S.-style immigration enforcement and would have "no responsibilities in Italy." Their stated role is limited to consulting databases and providing analytical support to other security actors.
However, these assurances have done little to quell opposition. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has been vocal in his criticism, calling ICE a "militia that kills" and stating unequivocally they are "not welcome." Tens of thousands have signed petitions, and opposition lawmakers have urged Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government to deny entry to what they term Trump's "thugs."
The controversy highlights the complex geopolitics of hosting a global mega-event and the challenges of international security cooperation when symbolic agencies are involved. With the Games still two years away, the dispute over ICE's role threatens to cast a long shadow over the festivities.
Voices from the Piazza
Marco Bianchi, 42, History Teacher: "The symbolism is inescapable. We gather in a square of liberation to protest the import of a security philosophy that many see as oppressive. The Italian government must prioritize our values and our sovereignty."
Chiara Russo, 28, Student Activist: "This is monstrous! We are rolling out the red carpet for an agency that separates families and cages children? For the Olympics? It's a betrayal of everything Europe claims to stand for. Meloni should be ashamed for even considering it." (More emotional/pointed)
Robert Chen, 55, International Security Analyst: "The operational reality is likely far more mundane than the protest narrative. HSI's role in intelligence liaison is standard for major events. The friction stems from ICE's potent political brand, which makes it a lightning rod irrespective of its actual, limited mandate here."
Elena Moretti, 60, Retired Civil Servant: "I understand the concerns, but we must also be practical. The Olympics require unprecedented security coordination. If these agents are confined to a consulate room providing data analysis, the actual risk to our citizens is minimal. The protest is more about making a statement against Trump's America."