Plans to send U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy have sparked strong criticism from Italian politicians and activists.

U.S. officials say ICE personnel will help protect American delegations during the Milano Cortina Games, which run from February 6 to 22. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the agents will support diplomatic security and focus on preventing threats from international crime groups. Italian authorities stressed that all security operations will remain under Italy’s control.

The Italian government also clarified that ICE agents will not patrol streets or carry out immigration enforcement. Instead, they will work only inside U.S. diplomatic facilities, such as the American consulate in Milan.

Despite these assurances, the news has caused backlash across Italy. ICE has faced heavy criticism in the United States for its role in President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies, and recent deadly incidents involving ICE agents have added to public anger.

Several Italian political leaders spoke out strongly. Milan’s mayor Giuseppe Sala said the agency is not welcome in the city, while Maurizio Lupi, a member of the ruling coalition, called the decision unnecessary and harmful. Opposition parties have gone further, demanding that ICE agents be barred from entering Italy altogether.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged calm, saying the situation should not be exaggerated. He stressed that the agents involved are not engaged in street operations and compared the reaction to an overreaction.

The controversy has also raised concerns ahead of the Olympics’ opening ceremony. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to attend, and there are fears they could be met with protests or boos. A left-wing trade union has already announced an “ICE Out” demonstration in Milan on opening day.

The International Olympic Committee has appealed for respect and unity. IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the Games should be a time to bring people together, not divide them. She said athletes from all backgrounds live side by side in the Olympic Village, showing how cooperation is possible despite political differences.

As the opening ceremony approaches, Italian authorities are working to calm tensions and ensure the focus stays on sport, not politics.