Anti-ICE protests sweep Milan days before Winter Olympics set to begin

MILAN, LOMBARDY: Protests against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement surfaced in Milan on Saturday, January 31, days before the city is set to host major events for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Saturday after reports emerged that ICE agents would be present during the Games.

The planned deployment immediately sparked backlash from activists and local leaders, even as US officials stressed that the agents would have no enforcement role.

Milan protesters and mayor oppose ICE at Olympics

Demonstrators filled Piazza XXV Aprile with banners and slogans criticizing ICE and its global reputation.

One banner declared solidarity with human rights movements worldwide, while another used humor to make its point, reading, “Ice only in Spritz,” a nod to the popular Italian drink.

Milan is scheduled to host the majority of Olympic events when the games begin on February 6.

The protests reflected broader concerns about ICE’s actions within the US and what its presence might symbolize on an international stage.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala made his opposition clear, saying ICE would not be welcome in the city.

He referenced images of masked agents operating in Minneapolis as an example of why their involvement raised alarm.

“This is a m*****a that kills, a m*****a that enters people’s homes,” Sala said in remarks to RTL Radio 102, adding that such forces had no place in Milan.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi struck a more cautious tone, saying he had no confirmation that ICE would be present at the Olympics.

Even so, he added that he did not see a reason for controversy, according to Italy’s ANSA news agency.

ICE's role at the Winter Olympics limited to security

According to US Embassy officials, ICE personnel are expected to assist with diplomatic security during the Olympics, not immigration operations.

The Department of Homeland Security echoed that position, emphasizing that ICE cannot carry out immigration enforcement outside the United States.

Despite those assurances, the announcement was enough to trigger public anger in Milan.

The debate comes as several senior US officials are expected to attend the opening ceremony, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.