In a bold move, Milan’s mayor has rejected U.S. ICE agents’ involvement in the upcoming Winter Olympics, calling them “a militia that kills,” which sets the stage for an international diplomatic clash.

Milan Mayor Rejects ICE Agents

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has taken a firm stand against the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the city for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Sala’s remarks came during an interview with Italian media, where he described ICE as “a militia that kills.” This declaration follows recent controversies surrounding ICE’s aggressive tactics in the U.S., including alleged incidents of home entries without oversight and fatal shootings.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala reveals that ICE agents are not welcome in his city during the Winter Olympics:

“This is a militia that kills, a militia that enters into the homes of people, signing their own permission slips. It is clear they are not welcome in Milan, without a… pic.twitter.com/qzrp7Kpd5W

— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 27, 2026

ICE’s Role in the Winter Olympics

ICE, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, was slated to support the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service in vetting processes for the Winter Olympics. The agency has faced criticism for its past enforcement methods, and its potential role in Olympic security has sparked concerns about sovereignty and local control. Despite the backlash, ICE maintains that its involvement is limited and falls under Italian command, focusing on transnational crime prevention.

The planned involvement of ICE agents in the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Italy regarding security and jurisdiction. While the U.S. Embassy in Rome has not confirmed the agents’ roles, the debate continues to draw international attention.

Diplomatic Tensions and Potential Implications

The uproar over ICE’s involvement in the Winter Olympics could lead to diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Italy. While the immediate implications may involve media scrutiny and potential scaling back of ICE’s role, the long-term effects could include strained security relations and increased anti-ICE sentiment in Europe. Mayor Sala’s vocal opposition reflects a broader European critique of U.S. immigration agencies’ reach and tactics.

As the Winter Olympics approach, the focus on security and international cooperation will remain at the forefront. The controversy surrounding ICE’s involvement underscores the complexities of global security arrangements and the importance of respecting host nation sovereignty.

Sources:

CBS News: ICE Milan Winter Olympics

Euronews: ICE Agents Role Sparks Criticism