US Reassures Italy: ICE Role at Winter Olympics Limited to Advisory Capacity Amid Security Concerns

ROME – Amid rising domestic scrutiny in Italy regarding security cooperation for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the United States has moved to defuse tensions by strictly limiting the role of deployed US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.Washington’s Ambassador to Rome, Tilman J. Fertitta, confirmed on Wednesday that the deployed branch of ICE, specifically the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit, will operate in a capacity that is "strictly advisory and intelligence-based, with no patrolling or enforcement involvement." This clarification comes after initial reports of the deployment triggered widespread concern and protests across Italy.The deployment has proven politically sensitive due to the contentious history of ICE operations within the United States, particularly those linked to stringent immigration enforcement tactics under previous administrations. Italian political opposition had vocally demanded the government reject the presence of the agency, arguing it was incompatible with Italian sovereignty and public sentiment.Ambassador Fertitta detailed the mandate of the HSI investigators, stating they will contribute expertise focused on mitigating transnational criminal threats, with a specific emphasis on cybercrimes and national security risks relevant to the large-scale international event. Crucially, he stressed that ultimate responsibility for all security operations during the February 6-22 Games remains firmly with Italian authorities.“At the Olympics, HSI criminal investigators will contribute their expertise by providing intelligence on transnational criminal threats, with a focus on cybercrimes and national security threats. All security operations will remain the responsibility of Italian authorities,” Fertitta stated following a meeting with Italy's Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi.The HSI division focuses broadly on cross-border criminal activity, including human smuggling, narcotics trafficking, financial crimes, and the recovery of stolen cultural artifacts. While agents from a different division of ICE have been associated with recent high-profile enforcement actions in the US, the Ambassador sought to delineate the HSI’s mission as purely investigative and supportive in the context of the Games.The controversy intensified given the high-profile attendance expected, including US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the opening ceremony. While Italian authorities initially downplayed the nature of the ICE presence, suggesting it was merely liaison support for the US delegation, the subsequent clarification was necessary to manage the geopolitical fallout and domestic political pressure.This episode underscores the delicate balancing act required for international security arrangements during major global events, where domestic political sensitivities in host nations can rapidly complicate bilateral cooperation agreements.Source: Based on reporting from France24 and associated diplomatic statements.