ICE at the Olympics: Protests Erupt in Italy

Italy sees anti-ICE protests linked to Trump during Olympic spotlight as tensions flared this weekend in Milan over the decision by the US president to send Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist with security ahead of the Winter Games opening next Friday. Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Piazza XXV Aprile, voicing outrage not only over the planned role of ICE but also over the agency’s recent actions in the United States, which have sparked protests and criticism. Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans opposing the presence of ICE, arguing that its involvement contradicts the values traditionally associated with the Olympic Games and risks overshadowing the event.

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, a federal immigration agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good earlier in January during an enforcement operation, a killing that triggered widespread protests and a national debate over ICE tactics and the use of force. Days later, another incident in Minneapolis resulted in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal officers during anti-ICE protests, further intensifying criticism of federal immigration enforcement practices. These events have resonated far beyond US borders, prompting expressions of anger and calls for accountability from civil rights groups, community leaders, and citizens concerned about the conduct of federal agencies and the broader implications of aggressive enforcement operations.

Beyond the immediate demonstrations in Milan, the controversy has deepened suspicion about the broader intent behind Washington’s decision to deploy ICE agents in Italy. Critics argue that the explanations offered by the Trump administration have failed to reduce concern, instead reinforcing mistrust among Italian officials and segments of the public. US authorities have insisted that the ICE unit, operating under the Department of Homeland Security, would be limited to a security role and would not carry out immigration enforcement. Officials have said the agents would «monitor for criminal activity» and conduct «no immigration operations», a distinction that many opponents regard as vague and unconvincing given ICE’s recent record in the United States.

Many observers have interpreted the deployment as an extension of federal enforcement tools into an international setting at a time when the agency’s actions have already sparked nationwide protests and civil rights scrutiny in the United States. The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during anti-ICE demonstrations in Minneapolis remains under federal civil rights investigation, adding to the sensitivity surrounding the agency’s role abroad. Against that backdrop, the presence of a highly politicised and controversial security force on foreign soil has amplified unease among Italian officials, human rights organisations, and ordinary citizens. Critics question whether involving ICE aligns with the spirit of international cooperation traditionally associated with the Olympic Games.

Many protesters in Milan and on social media have sought to send a clear message to the United States that ICE is not welcome in Italy, a sentiment echoed by several public officials ahead of the Winter Olympics opening Friday. Local residents waving banners and chanting at rallies in central squares made opposition to the planned deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents a central theme of their demonstrations. Protesters argued that the agency’s involvement contradicts the values traditionally associated with the Olympic Games, reflecting broader unease over ICE’s reputation and recent controversial actions abroad that have drawn criticism from civil rights groups and political leaders.

Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, expressed his city’s stance directly to the Associated Press as preparations continued for the opening ceremony on February 6, which will be attended by the U.S.

Vice President, JD Vance. Emphasising local resistance, Sala said of ICE:

«This is a militia that kills, a militia that enters into the homes of people, signing their own permission slips. It is clear they are not welcome in Milan, without a doubt.» His remarks highlighted the intersection of local political opposition and international scrutiny surrounding the decision to involve ICE personnel in aspects of Olympic security, even as U.S. officials maintain that the agency’s role will be limited and non-enforcement in nature.