Italy has turned to the United States for help securing next month’s Milano-Cortina Winter Games, requesting assistance from American law-enforcement officials as global security concerns rise.
Officials confirmed that agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be part of a broader international security effort supporting the games. Two officials at the U.S. Embassy in Rome told Associated Press that the request came from Italian authorities coordinating Olympic-level protection.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moved quickly to clarify ICE’s role, stressing that the agency will not conduct immigration enforcement operations in Italy.
“ICE does not carry out immigration enforcement in foreign countries,” DHS said in a statement. Instead, Homeland Security Investigations personnel will assist the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service and Italian officials by helping identify and mitigate threats linked to transnational criminal organizations.
DHS stressed that Italian officials retain full control over all security planning and execution.
The announcement comes at a politically sensitive moment, as immigration enforcement has become a flashpoint in the United States during President Trump’s renewed crackdown on illegal immigration. Recent high-profile incidents involving federal agents have fueled protests and criticism from political leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.
In Italy, some local officials reacted sharply to the news. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala criticized ICE’s involvement in a radio interview, arguing that the agency’s presence would be controversial and unwelcome in the city. His remarks were made before ICE’s role was formally confirmed by Italian officials.
Other leaders struck a more measured tone.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said he saw no issue with American law-enforcement officers assisting with Olympic security, noting that international cooperation is common for large-scale global events.
With millions of visitors expected and heightened concerns about organized crime and terrorism, Italy’s decision to seek U.S. assistance underscores the scale of the challenge — and highlights President Trump’s continued influence on global security policy.
As preparations continue, Italian officials say the priority remains simple: keeping athletes, spectators, and host cities safe during one of the world’s most high-profile sporting events.