The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are all set to be deployed to the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Sources from local media outlets were seen speaking about how they would be taking part in helping the US diplomatic security team in vetting and mitigating risks linked to transnational criminal activity.
The role doesn't entail immigration enforcement or policing Italian crowds. Moreover, all public safety duties remain under the authority of Italian law enforcement.
The ICE personnel would be expected to work behind the scenes, mostly from liaison positions within Milan's US Consulate.
They will then coordinate with authorities in Italy and other authorities from Italy, as well as American agencies, to assist in protecting American officials as well as the Olympic delegation.
Despite all the clarifications made, the news has sparked mega controversy in Italy, especially in Milan, forcing the Mayor to step in and clear the air.
Mayor Giuseppe Sala publicly opposed the presence of these ICE agents and sharply slammed the agency, and stated that they're not welcome in the city.