ICE role confirmed for Milan-Cortina Games
A branch of the US immigration agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will assist in security operations during the Winter Olympics in Italy, starting 6 February. The announcement followed reports that sparked alarm and criticism in Italy.
“This is a militia that kills… of course they’re not welcome in Milan,” Milan Mayor Beppe Sala told Italian radio on Tuesday.
Italian authorities reassure public
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sought to calm tensions, stating, “it’s not like the [Nazi] SS are coming.” He emphasized that no ICE agents would patrol Italian streets. Italian law enforcement, including the police, Carabinieri military police, and Guardia di Finanza financial authority, will manage all public security operations.
DHS confirmed that all security support at the Olympics is directed and managed exclusively by Italian authorities. The US will operate an operations room at its Milan consulate, coordinating with relevant agencies during the Games.
Support role only, not enforcement
Homeland Security Investigations, part of ICE, will assist Italian authorities in vetting and mitigating risks from transnational criminal organisations. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin told the BBC the agency will not conduct immigration enforcement outside the US.
Antonio Tajani clarified, “The ICE agents who are coming are not those with machine guns and their faces covered… they’re coming because it’s the department responsible for counter-terrorism.” Interior Minister Matteo Pantedosi added that foreign delegations may choose their own security.
US incidents in Minneapolis fuel concern
The announcement drew renewed concern in Italy following high-profile shootings in Minneapolis. On 7 January, ICE agents fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, prompting nationwide protests. A second DHS agency fatally shot Alex Pretti on 25 January.
Italian journalists from public broadcaster Rai also reported threats from ICE officials while covering the Pretti shooting. One agent warned them that filming could result in their car window being smashed. These incidents contributed to public unease over ICE’s presence during the Games.
Also read: Minnesota shooting: Trump says government will ‘de-escalate’
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