Italians Protest US Plans to Deploy ICE at Winter Olympics

People walk past Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games fences at Piazza Duomo ahead of the Olympic Games in Milan on Jan. 26. — People walk past Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games fences at Piazza Duomo ahead of the Olympic Games in Milan on Jan. 26.
Photographer: Piero Cruciatti/AFP/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Alessandra Migliaccio

January 27, 2026 at 5:09 PM UTC

Updated on

January 28, 2026 at 7:38 AM UTC

Italian officials protested US plans to deploy some ICE staff at this year’s Winter Olympics, underscoring how the agency’s role in an immigration crackdown at home is stirring opposition overseas.

Speaking on local radio, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “are not welcome” in his city. He was echoed by Italian opposition leaders including former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte who demanded Italy bar them from entering the country.