Milan protesters call for U.S. ICE agents to leave Italy as Winter Games approach

People take part in a demonstration against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games in Milan, Italy, on January 31, 2026. A branch of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will help support security operations for the Winter Olympics in Italy, sparking consternation and warnings they were not welcome.

An ICE unit from the US Department of Homeland Security is playing a role providing security at the Winter Games. At past Olympics, their involvement would have been unremarkable. But after the violence in Minneapolis, many Italians protesting in Milan say ICE agents are no longer welcome.

(Image credit: PIERO CRUCIATTI)