Idman.biz
A US security decision ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics has sparked concern in Italy. The issue revolves around reports that a unit linked to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be operating in Italy during the Games.
İdman.Biz, citing "APnews", reports that the unit in question is the "Homeland Security Investigations" (HSI) structure within ICE, which deals with transnational crimes. HSI personnel are sent abroad to support security planning for major international events such as the Olympics. It is noted that they do not belong to the "Enforcement and Removal Operations" (ERO) division, which deals with migration control and deportation in the US, and there are no plans to send ERO staff to Italy.
However, the failure to clearly present this distinction at the initial stage has caused sharp reactions in Italy. In particular, the mention of the ICE name against the background of the US President Donald Trump administration's strict migration policy has fueled public discontent.
The mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, openly criticized ICE, stating that ICE staff are unwelcome in the city. He recalled that US Vice President Jay Di Vens will also attend the opening ceremony on February 6.
The Italian Ministry of the Interior, in its statement, emphasized that HSI staff will operate only in a supporting role at the control center located in the US consulate in Milan. The ministry noted that all security operations in the country will remain fully under the authority of the Italian authorities.
The International Olympic Committee also stated that security is the responsibility of the host country. It is reported that more than six thousand police and security personnel will be involved in Italy for the Winter Olympics. The Games will cover a wide area from the city of Milan to the Austrian border.
