Milan Mayor Rejects ICE at Winter Olympics, Calls U.S. Agency “a Militia That Kills”
Milan’s mayor has taken a rare public stand against U.S. law enforcement involvement in the 2026 Winter Olympics, saying ICE agents sent to help secure the Games are “not welcome.” The dispute underscores rising diplomatic tension just as athletes and spectators prepare to arrive.
Mayor Giuseppe Sala sharply criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling it “a militia that kills” in an Italian radio interview and saying the agency’s presence in Milan is unwelcome, even though its role is to help protect U.S. delegations.
Confirmed by U.S. and Italian officials, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations division will support the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service in vetting threats and assisting with security planning for the Milano-Cortina Winter Games, set to open Feb. 6. Agents will not conduct immigration enforcement or take command of street-level security.
But the mayor’s comments have ignited broader political pushback in Italy, where some citizens and politicians view ICE’s controversial U.S. record as incompatible with hosting an international sporting event. The city’s mayor even questioned whether Milan should push back against U.S. federal involvement altogether.
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“It’s clear that they are not welcome in Milan,” said Sala, reflecting local unease.
The clash highlights a diplomatic gray area: while Italy insists all on-the-ground security remains under Italian authority, opponents see foreign law enforcement as a breach of sovereignty and values just days before the global gathering.
Protests are expected alongside the Games, and Italian officials must balance Olympic security needs with mounting public opposition.
As the Olympics draw near, the debate over foreign security roles could shape broader international cooperation on major events.
What happens next: Organizers and authorities in Milan are expected to clarify ICE’s duties in the coming days to calm tensions ahead of the Feb. 6 opening ceremony.
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