Demonstrators in Milan protest presence of ICE agents at Winter Olympics
Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in Milan on Saturday to protest the planned deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the upcoming Winter Olympics.
The protest took place in Piazza XXV Aprile and drew participants from Italy’s Democratic Party, the CGIL trade union confederation, ANPI resistance groups and other activists. Protesters voiced opposition to the involvement of ICE in security arrangements for the U.S. delegation, despite officials saying the agents will operate from a control room and not patrol the streets.
Italian media reported that the officers belong to Homeland Security Investigations, an ICE unit focused on cross-border crime, and not the division responsible for immigration enforcement inside the United States.
The deployment has sparked political backlash in Italy, with Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala saying the agents are not welcome. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi is expected to address the issue in parliament.
The Winter Olympics open on Feb. 6 and will be attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
