ICE Security Role at Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Sparks Outrage in Italy

Controversy Over ICE Involvement

• 🇮🇹 Italy's leftist Democratic Party protested the involvement of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, calling them "thuggish squads."
• ⚠️ ICE, criticized for its US immigration crackdown tactics and involvement in fatal shootings, is reportedly assisting with security for the Games.
• 🏛️ Milan's mayor expressed outrage, stating ICE's methods are incompatible with Italy's approach to security.

ICE's Stated Role and International Cooperation

• 🤝 ICE confirmed its homeland security investigations unit would support the US Department of State's diplomatic security service.
• 🎯 The agency stated its role is to help vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organizations, working alongside Italian authorities.
• 🌍 Italy's foreign minister described the involvement as standard international cooperation, emphasizing that foreign police often collaborate during major events.
• 🇺🇸 US embassy sources noted that various federal agencies have supported diplomatic security at previous Olympics.

US Officials Attending Games

• 🎤 ICE indicated its support would be for US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who are expected at the opening ceremony.