U.S. ICE to assist with security planning for Italy’s 2026 winter olympics

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be involved in security coordination for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, which will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo and across several venues in northern regions. Italian and U.S. officials have confirmed that ICE’s participation will form part of wider international cooperation linked to the protection of U.S. delegations and diplomatic interests during the Games.

The agency’s role will be carried out through Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), ICE’s investigative arm responsible for tackling transnational crime, terrorism and threats to critical infrastructure. HSI personnel are expected to work alongside the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service and in coordination with Italian authorities. Officials have stressed that ICE agents will not carry out immigration enforcement, policing duties or patrols on Italian soil.

Italian government representatives have emphasised that overall security responsibility will remain entirely under Italian control. Any foreign security personnel involved will operate in a strictly limited, advisory and support capacity, in line with Italian law and under national coordination frameworks.

Public and Political Reaction in Italy

The confirmation of ICE’s involvement has generated unease among some Italian politicians and civil society groups, largely due to the agency’s controversial reputation in the United States. Critics have argued that ICE’s association with immigration enforcement policies makes its presence at an international sporting event inappropriate, even if its operational role is restricted.

Opposition lawmakers have called for greater transparency regarding the extent of foreign agency involvement in Olympic security planning. Some have warned that the symbolic presence of ICE could conflict with the Olympic values of openness and inclusivity. Human rights organisations have also expressed concern, urging authorities to ensure that any cooperation remains narrowly defined and non-operational.

In response, Italian officials have reiterated that ICE will not have authority over spectators, residents or visitors, and will not operate independently. They have underlined that cooperation with international partners is common for large-scale events and is focused on preventing security threats rather than enforcing domestic policies.

Olympic Security Planning and International Cooperation

U.S. officials have stated that ICE has previously supported security efforts at major international events as part of standard diplomatic arrangements. In Italy, the agency’s contribution will focus on intelligence sharing, risk assessment and coordination, particularly in relation to transnational threats.

Italy is preparing one of the most complex security operations in its history for the 2026 Winter Olympics, reflecting the geographic spread of venues and the scale of the event. Planning involves national police forces, emergency services and international partners working together to manage potential risks.

Organisers have said that their priority is to ensure safety while maintaining the open and celebratory atmosphere of the Games. Officials continue to insist that limited international cooperation, including ICE’s involvement, is intended to strengthen preparedness without compromising Italy’s sovereignty or control over Olympic security.