Controversy Erupts Over US Immigration Agency's Role at Winter Olympics
In a move that has sparked outrage across Italy, a unit of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will provide security support for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The news has fueled protests and calls to boycott the event, with many Italians questioning the agency's involvement.
Critics argue that ICE is a "militia that kills," pointing to its history of enforcing harsh immigration policies in the US. The presence of these agents at the Olympics has been met with widespread disdain, with some even comparing them to Nazi paramilitary forces.
Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, has made it clear that his city does not welcome ICE agents, stating that they do not align with Italy's democratic security management methods. Similarly, Alessandro Zan, a member of the European parliament for the centre-left Democratic party, described the presence of ICE agents as unacceptable.
Petitions have been launched by opposition parties to prevent the entry and involvement of these agents in the Olympics. The Green and Left Alliance (AVS) has criticized ICE, stating that it is an organization "that shoots people on the streets of Minneapolis and takes children away from their families."
Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has sought to downplay concerns, but many are skeptical of his reassurances. The confirmation of ICE's role comes after a video surfaced showing agents threatening to break the window of a vehicle during an ICE operation in Minneapolis.
The Italian interior ministry has clarified that ICE will provide support for security operations at the Olympics, but not run any enforcement operations. However, this has done little to alleviate concerns about the agency's involvement.
The Winter Olympics are set to begin on February 6th, and many Italians remain divided over the role of ICE agents in securing the event.
In a move that has sparked outrage across Italy, a unit of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will provide security support for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The news has fueled protests and calls to boycott the event, with many Italians questioning the agency's involvement.
Critics argue that ICE is a "militia that kills," pointing to its history of enforcing harsh immigration policies in the US. The presence of these agents at the Olympics has been met with widespread disdain, with some even comparing them to Nazi paramilitary forces.
Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, has made it clear that his city does not welcome ICE agents, stating that they do not align with Italy's democratic security management methods. Similarly, Alessandro Zan, a member of the European parliament for the centre-left Democratic party, described the presence of ICE agents as unacceptable.
Petitions have been launched by opposition parties to prevent the entry and involvement of these agents in the Olympics. The Green and Left Alliance (AVS) has criticized ICE, stating that it is an organization "that shoots people on the streets of Minneapolis and takes children away from their families."
Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has sought to downplay concerns, but many are skeptical of his reassurances. The confirmation of ICE's role comes after a video surfaced showing agents threatening to break the window of a vehicle during an ICE operation in Minneapolis.
The Italian interior ministry has clarified that ICE will provide support for security operations at the Olympics, but not run any enforcement operations. However, this has done little to alleviate concerns about the agency's involvement.
The Winter Olympics are set to begin on February 6th, and many Italians remain divided over the role of ICE agents in securing the event.
ice is like a big brother that always has to control everyone its not fair for anyone who is competing or just wanna enjoy the games 
I'm so appalled by this news! How can US Immigration and Customs Enforcement think it's a good idea to send their agents to a peaceful international event like the Winter Olympics? They're basically bringing the war zone with them to Italy. It's insane that these people are being let into our country, especially when we have so many problems at home 
. I mean, what's next? Sending in the NSA to keep an eye on all us athletes and spectators? No thanks! 
. So these ICE agents are going to be at the Olympics, what if they get into some kind of incident with someone? The fact that petitions have already been launched and people are calling for a boycott is kinda understandable, I guess. I mean who wants some group of guys from the US showing up uninvited and causing trouble? 
This is just a total fail for Italy & the whole Olympic thing... I mean what do we even need with US Immigration agents sittin around at our Olympics? They're like a recruitment ad for every anti-immigrant group out there 
And don't even get me started on this "security" BS... who's gonna protect us from actual threats, not just xenophobic haters? 
The fact that they can't even clarify their role without causing a ruckus is just 
. Italy should be more concerned with showing the world how to welcome & include everyone, not just some sketchy ICE agents 
according to a Pew Research Center survey, 64% of Americans now say that they are dissatisfied with how the US is handling its immigration system 
. I also dug up some stats on the history of ICE's actions - did you know that between 2008 and 2016, ICE deported over 1.5 million unauthorized immigrants 
? And from 2017 to 2020, the agency reported a record number of "collateral removals" (i.e., arrests of people who were not targets of enforcement actions) - 11,444 in 2020 alone 
. The Green and Left Alliance's criticism of ICE is spot on: it's an organization with a history of aggressive and often unjust treatment of marginalized communities 
.
. I know some people are passionate about this issue, but can't we all just try to understand where each other is coming from? 
. But what's gonna happen when the Olympics start and these agents are actually on the ground? Will they be able to balance keeping everyone safe with not being too scary or intimidating for athletes and visitors?