The mayor of Milan, Beppe Sala, has publicly condemned the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the upcoming Winter Olympics, labeling them as part of a “militia” that is “not welcome” in Italy. Sala’s remarks come as the agency prepares to send personnel to the Games, which will commence on March 1, 2024, to support American security operations.
Sala’s criticism is rooted in recent incidents involving ICE agents in the United States, particularly two fatal shootings in Minneapolis. He stated, “I believe [ICE agents] shouldn’t come to Italy because they don’t guarantee they conform to our democratic way of ensuring security.” His comments reflect a broader concern in Italy regarding the potential implications of having US agents operating on Italian soil.
Security Concerns Surrounding the Olympics
The Milan-Cortina Olympics are set to attract significant international attention, with Team GB aiming for their best performance in Winter Games history. The presence of ICE has been officially justified by the Lombardy region’s governor, Attilio Fontana, who indicated that the agency’s role is to protect high-profile attendees, including US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Despite ICE’s assurances that it will not conduct immigration operations in Italy, the agency’s involvement has sparked outrage among various political factions. One party criticized ICE as “the militia that shoots people on the streets of Minneapolis and takes children away from their families.” This sentiment underscores the apprehension some Italians feel about foreign law enforcement operating within their borders.
Italian Leaders Voice Opposition
European Parliament member Alessandro Zan echoed these concerns, stating, “In Italy, we don’t want those who trample on human rights and act outside of any democratic control.” The debate highlights the tension between ensuring security at a global sporting event and maintaining respect for human rights and local governance.
ICE has clarified that its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit will support the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The agency stressed that all security operations will remain under Italian authority, aiming to mitigate risks associated with transnational criminal organizations.
As the start of the Winter Olympics approaches, the situation continues to evolve, with local and international scrutiny focusing on how security will be managed. The US finished third in the previous Winter Olympics held in Beijing in 2022, while Italy ranked 13th out of 29 nations that received medals.
The controversy surrounding ICE’s presence in Milan reflects broader discussions about the balance between security needs and upholding democratic values, a dialogue that is likely to intensify as the Olympics draw closer.
