Giorgia Meloni pushes back on 'surreal' ICE protests and champions unity with JD Vance at Olympics

MILAN, LOMBARDY: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sought to contain a growing political backlash on Friday, February 6, as she met Vice President JD Vance in Milan, brushing aside criticism over the presence of ICE personnel at the Winter Olympics while publicly reaffirming ties with Washington.

The meeting, held at the Milan prefecture hours before the Games’ opening ceremony, was also attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and came at a sensitive moment for Meloni’s government, which has faced protests and political pressure at home over Olympic security arrangements.

Italy and the US reaffirm strong bilateral relations

Meloni framed the encounter as a routine diplomatic engagement, emphasizing cooperation and unity.

“They are here for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, but it is also an opportunity for us to discuss our bilateral relations,” Meloni said after welcoming the US delegation, according to ANSA.

“Italy and the United States have always maintained very significant ties,” she added, stressing that both governments were working to deepen cooperation.

Vance echoed that message, underscoring shared values and long-standing partnerships.

“We love Italy and the Italian people. As you said, we have many excellent relations, many economic connections and partnerships,” he said.

“In the Olympic spirit, competition is based on rules. It’s good to have shared values, and we will have a very constructive exchange on many topics,” Vance added.

Giorgia Meloni calls ICE backlash 'surreal'

Meloni moved to directly address the controversy in a Thursday night interview with broadcaster Mediaset, dismissing the criticism as exaggerated and misleading.

She reportedly described the uproar as “surreal” and stressed that the ICE-linked investigative branch had long cooperated with Italy.

“It has never carried out, could never carry out, and will never carry out police operations, immigration enforcement or checks on our territory,” Meloni said.

Her comments were aimed at reassuring the public that the ICE's role was limited and did not infringe on Italian sovereignty.

ICE-linked presence sparks protests

The diplomatic show of unity came against the backdrop of public anger in Italy after it emerged that agents linked to ICE would support the US delegation during the Games.

The disclosure triggered criticism from opposition politicians and prompted demonstrations across Milan over the past week, with protesters raising concerns about ICE’s record and demanding an explanation from authorities.

Many fear that the issue could spill over into public hostility toward US athletes or officials, threatening to overshadow the event.