The officials are to assist the security service of the U.S. State Department. At the host country Italy, resistance is rising.
dpa | Officials of the controversial immigration agency ICE are to assist the U.S. government on-site in security at the Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics. This was reported by the news agency AP, citing the U.S. Embassy in Rome. The ICE officers are said to support the U.S. State Department’s security service and will not carry out immigration enforcement measures.
As things stand, at the grand opening ceremony of the Winter Games on February 6, U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to attend. The presence and work of the ICE officers are to be limited to their security. In previous Olympic Games, federal authorities had already supported security for U.S. diplomats, AP reported.
The International Olympic Committee stated upon inquiry that safety at the Olympic Games falls under the responsibility of the host country’s authorities. They would work closely with the participating delegations. The IOC otherwise referred to the USA Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Milan Mayor Refuses ICE
The potential deployment of agency officials is causing a stir in the host country of the Winter Games. Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, rejects their presence. “As the Mayor of Milan and as an Italian, I certainly do not want this private police force to come to Milan. This is a police force that operates completely illegally and kills.”
The agency is under criticism following the deaths of two U.S. citizens during operations by its officers. At the beginning of January, Renée Good was killed by shots fired by an ICE officer. Last Saturday, nurse Alex Pretti was shot dead during an operation by federal officers. There are nationwide protests against the deportation policy of U.S. President Donald Trump and the actions of the security forces.
Together for a Free Press
As a cooperative, we belong to our readers. And our journalism is not only 100% independent of corporations, but also freely accessible. All articles are provided freely, without a paywall. Especially in these times, classifications and information must be accessible to everyone. Our readers do not have to pay, but know that critical, independent journalism does not arise out of nowhere. For that, we are very grateful. To ensure we can continue our journalism tomorrow, we need more support. Our next goal: 50,000 – and with your involvement we can achieve it. Make a stand for and for the future of our journalism. With only €5, you’re in!
Now support
