Italy’s Winter Olympics security plan keeps ICE in advisory role
Security Operations and Oversight
Italy will control all Olympic security operations for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with a comprehensive plan involving 6,000 officers, drones, and a cyber unit.
Role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be present at the event, but only through its Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) division, and its role will be strictly advisory and intelligence-based.
Italy has emphasized that ICE staff will not be deployed ‘on the ground’ and will only operate within U.S. diplomatic offices such as the Milan consulate.
Public and Political Response
The deployment of ICE agents has sparked public backlash in Italy, with some citizens expressing anger over the perceived intrusion and lack of transparency.
Italy has reiterated its commitment to full control over security operations, asserting that all safety measures will be managed domestically.
Official Statements and Updates
- The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ICE will accompany the U.S. delegation to the Winter Olympics in Italy.
- Multiple sources, including Reuters and NBC News, confirm that ICE agents will not participate in on-site security duties.
- Italy has issued updates stating that U.S. ICE will have no role ‘on the ground’ at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
These statements reflect a clear distinction between diplomatic presence and operational involvement in security matters.