Let us clarify the rumors circulating about what is, under international law, the obvious authority of the United States to decide how to protect its own citizens - including government representatives - who will attend the opening ceremony and the subsequent events of the Winter Olympic Games in Italy, while fully respecting the equally obvious authority of the Italian state, which will remain exclusively responsible for public order.
As Italy prepares to host the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, a political controversy has emerged over the potential involvement of the U.S. federal agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in security arrangements. Initial reports suggested that ICE agents might be deployed in connection with the Games to assist with security for the U.S. delegation.
This sparked debate across Italian political and civic circles, with critics questioning whether an agency known for controversial enforcement actions in the United States should have any role in an international event on Italian soil.
The Italian government responded to these concerns by clarifying what exactly the presence of ICE personnel would entail. After a meeting with American Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized that any foreign security personnel accompanying delegations is a normal practice for major global events. He stressed that Italian authorities - including national police, Carabinieri, and other security forces - will retain full responsibility for public order throughout the Olympics. According to the government, ICE would not engage in immigration enforcement or any kind of operational policing within Italy.
Representatives of ICE confirmed that their role would be limited, focusing on investigative support and information sharing with the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, largely operating within the U.S. consulate. Their mission, as described, would be to assist in assessing and mitigating risks related to transnational criminal activity, rather than conducting actions on Italian territory. This role aligns with practices at other large international gatherings, where foreign agencies support diplomatic security but do not supersede host-country authority.
Despite these reassurances, the issue has fueled political tension. Opposition parties and local officials expressed unease over the idea of ICE’s presence, citing concerns about sovereignty and the agency’s reputation. A petition opposing ICE’s involvement gathered significant signatures, reflecting public uneasiness. The government maintained that cooperation with foreign security services is standard in international sport and diplomatic contexts, but the debate illustrates broader sensitivities in Italy about foreign security involvement and national control as the country readies for one of the world’s largest sporting events.
