Milan protests decry ‘creeping fascism’ of ICE role at Winter Olympics

Demonstrators in Milan have protested against the role of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unit at the upcoming Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The protests took place at Piazza XXV Aprile, a location significant for its historical connection to Italy’s liberation from Nazi fascism in 1945. Protesters expressed their concerns about what they termed "creeping fascism" in the U.S. and called for the removal of ICE agents from Italy during the international sporting event. Slogans such as "No ICE in Italy" were prominent among the demonstrators, reflecting widespread opposition to U.S. immigration enforcement involvement in the Olympics. The Italian government has responded to these protests by clarifying the role of U.S. ICE agents during the Winter Olympics. According to Italian officials, ICE agents will not have an operational police role in Italy and their involvement will be limited to analytical tasks within U.S. diplomatic facilities. Italy's interior minister has characterized fears surrounding ICE's role as "completely unfounded," emphasizing that there will be no resemblance to the enforcement practices seen in the U.S. The Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place in February 2026 across various Italian cities. The presence of U.S. ICE agents at such a significant global event raises questions about national security and public perception, particularly regarding immigration policies and the role of foreign law enforcement in domestic affairs. Historically, major international gatherings have faced scrutiny over security measures, often leading to public protests and outcry. As the Olympics approach, the dialogue surrounding ICE's role may continue to evolve, reflecting deeper societal concerns about immigration and law enforcement practices on a global stage. The protests in Milan highlight ongoing tensions surrounding these issues, as demonstrators seek to address their apprehensions about civil liberties and the treatment of migrants in the context of an international event.