Milan Protests Surge Against ICE Role in Winter Olympics Security
Hundreds of Italians gathered in Milan on Saturday to demonstrate against the involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in securing the Winter Olympics. Protesters blew whistles and sang Bruce Springsteen songs, mirroring tactics employed by anti-ICE activists in the United States.
The demonstrations stem from an announcement that ICE personnel will assist in protecting the U.S. delegation during the Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22 in Milan and the Alpine resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This support aligns with federal agencies’ past roles in safeguarding U.S. diplomats at Olympic events.
Outrage Linked to Recent Fatal Shootings
The decision has sparked significant backlash in Italy, fueled by the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota. Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, was killed on January 7 after a dispute with ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The Trump administration maintains that Ross acted in self-defense. However, video footage appears to show Good attempting to drive away from the scene.
On January 24, intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was also fatally shot. The Department of Homeland Security asserts the agent fired in self-defense after Pretti allegedly brandished a handgun and resisted disarmament. Eyewitnesses and Pretti’s family have contested this account.
Voices from the Protesters
Umberto Daddario, a 54-year-old industrial chemist, joined the protest with his 16-year-old daughter Giorgia. They held a handmade sign reading “ICE=FASCISM.”
Fabio, a 49-year-old architect from Milan, attended with his wife and daughters, aged 10 and 6. “We are here at the request of our daughters who wanted to demonstrate as a protest against what is going on in the USA,” he stated.
Italy’s Security Measures and Local Opposition
Italian authorities have outlined a comprehensive security plan for the Olympics, emphasizing that they will retain full command of all operations. The U.S. delegation will be headed by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, declared that ICE is “not welcome” in the city. “They are not aligned with our democratic way of managing security,” Sala told RTL Radio 102.
