The US plans to send ICE agents to participate in the Winter Olympics security. Italians say it's unnecessary and they don't welcome it

The US will send immigration and customs enforcement agency (ICE) agents to Italy to participate in the US security efforts for the upcoming Winter Olympics in December. This has sparked backlash in Italy.

Milan - Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics will be held from February 6th to 22nd. Italian media reported recently that ICE law enforcement officers will provide security support for the US delegation during the Olympics.

The spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security confirmed to CNN on Tuesday (January 27th) that ICE will assume a "security role" during the Winter Olympics. The spokesperson also said, "They obviously will not conduct immigration enforcement operations in foreign countries."

Recently, two incidents occurred in Minnesota, USA, where immigration law enforcement officers shot and killed American citizens, which has aroused strong dissatisfaction and protests from the public. In view of this, many current and former Italian parliamentarians have called on Prime Minister Meloni to stop the deployment plan of the United States, and some even initiated related petition activities.

Italian former Prime Minister Conte posted on the social media platform X on Tuesday, calling on the government not to bow to the United States any longer. He wrote: "After the street violence and murder incidents occurred in the United States, we now learned from their spokesperson that ICE agents will come to Italy... We cannot allow this to happen."

On the same day, Milan's mayor Sara said that the Italian authorities did not need the help of ICE. "Milan does not welcome them." She said during an interview with an Italian radio station: "This is a group of killers. Can we say 'no' to (US President) Trump?" …… I think they shouldn't come to Italy because they can't guarantee that they will align with our democratic security management principles."