Italian Outcry as US Immigration Agency’s Role in Winter Olympics Security Draws Criticism
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A growing controversy is unfolding in Italy as reports surface of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency deploying personnel to assist with security during the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, scheduled to run from February 6-22. The planned involvement of ICE, an agency recently embroiled in controversy following fatal shootings in Minneapolis, has sparked alarm and anger among Italian officials and the public.
The confirmation of ICE’s role came after initial reports prompted a swift backlash. An ICE spokesperson emphasized that “all security operations remain under Italian authority,” but the assurances have done little to quell concerns.
Minneapolis Shootings Fuel Italian Opposition
The timing of the declaration coincides with heightened scrutiny of ICE following the shooting of Alex Pretti on the streets of Minneapolis on Saturday. The incident, and subsequent reports of intimidation towards journalists covering the agency’s actions, have substantially amplified the negative perception of ICE in Italy. According to reports, two journalists with Italian public broadcaster Rai were threatened by ICE officials while reporting on the agency’s activities, with one agent allegedly warning the crew their car window would be smashed if thay continued filming.
“This is a militia that kills… of course they’re not welcome in Milan,” Milan’s mayor,Beppe Sala,stated on Italian radio Tuesday,encapsulating the widespread sentiment.
shifting Responses from Italian Government
Italy’s Interior Minister,Matteo Pantedosi,initially appeared unaware of the planned deployment,suggesting that foreign delegations were free to choose their own security arrangements. He initially stated, “I don’t see what the problem is and it’s very normal.” However, as public outrage grew, fueled by images and reports from Minneapolis, Pantedosi adopted a firmer stance. he asserted on Monday that “ICE will certainly not operate on Italian national territory,” adding that the US had not provided a list of security personnel and that Italy would guarantee its own security.
The governor of the Lombardy region,Attilio Fontana,attempted to downplay the situation,suggesting the ICE agents might be deployed to protect US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Political Fallout and Concerns Over Sovereignty
The controversy has extended into the political arena,with opposition figures criticizing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for perceived inaction. Barbara Floridia, a Senator with the Five Star Movement, warned that continued silence would be seen as “yet more evidence of cowardice and subservience towards Donald Trump.”
The center-left mayor of Milan remains unconvinced by assurances from both the US and Italian governments.”I believe [ICE agents] shouldn’t come to italy as they don’t guarantee they conform to our democratic way of ensuring security,” Sala told RTL radio.
The situation underscores a growing tension between international security cooperation and concerns over national sovereignty, particularly when involving agencies with controversial track records. The Ital
Who: The key players are the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Italian officials including Milan’s Mayor Beppe Sala and Interior Minister Matteo Pantedosi, and political figures like Senator Barbara Floridia.Alex Pretti,the victim of a fatal shooting by ICE,also plays a central role in fueling the controversy.
What: the controversy centers around the planned deployment of ICE personnel to assist
