U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will have a security role in the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Games, according to information shared with media sources near the U.S. Embassy in Rome. Officials who confirmed reports to the Associated Press on Tuesday said that ICE agents will support diplomatic security details and won’t run any immigration enforcement operations.
It is common for federal agencies to be involved with international security efforts, however the decision to include the most politicized aspect of U.S. law enforcement has an effect on international relations. During previous Olympics, many federal agencies assisted diplomatic security details, including the investigative task force within ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
HSI does have a global footprint and it’s common for their agents to assist at major international events. However, their association with ICE and ongoing operations within the U.S. has severely damaged confidence among partner nations about agency standards as well as athlete and spectator safety.
Pointing to images of unrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala made it clear that ICE is not welcome in his city, which is the host of most ice sports during the Winter Games. Despite media confirmation and international responses, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has not received confirmation from the American government about an ICE deployment to Italy.
The release that ICE will be a part of diplomatic security during the Winter Olympics comes after the announcement that ICE agents will be conducting operations at the Superbowl. Additionally, RAI State TV aired a video Sunday of ICE agents threatening to break the windows of a RAI crew vehicle reporting in Minneapolis, where ongoing ICE operations have caused massive protests and the deaths of two Americans.
ICE operations at sporting events are not a new phenomenon. During December’s FIFA Club World Cup, an asylum seeker who took his children to watch the event was arrested and later returned. In response, Human Rights Watch wrote FIFA to express concerns about U.S. immigration policies and the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA replied that it expects “host countries take measures to ensure that any eligible persons who are involved in the competition are able to enter the respective countries,” and “is actively working on this matter with relevant authorities.” FIFA also said it would engage with relevant authorities if it became aware of human rights concerns.
However, the incident highlighted by Human Rights Watch shows how limited FIFA is in protecting non-citizens from human rights violations at international events. Furthermore, FIFA has bent the knee for Trump countless times, suggesting they have little leverage in influencing policies surrounding the World Cup.
Whether it’s their decision to allow the U.S. government to determine the safety of host cities or the creation of a Peace Prize for President Trump, FIFA has shown that they value Trump’s input despite the fact the American government has no formal jurisdiction over FIFA.
Reuters reported spikes in flight bookings to North America since the World Cup schedule was announced in December. Data from travel technology firm Amadeus shows broad increases, with an 18% spike in bookings from British travelers despite calls from government officials to boycott the World Cup.
However, a recent increase in violence associated with ICE operations has amplified fears among some travelers, even though it’s not currently reflected by data. As we continue to monitor the situation for the 2026 World Cup, it is important to note recent flinches from the administration, which could be partially influenced by the international reaction to ICE and President Trump’s commitment to hosting a successful World Cup.
Following the death of Alex Pretti, Homeland Security officials announced that the leader of ICE, Greg Bovino, will be leaving Minneapolis. Bovino has been the architect of ICE operations, serving as the poster boy for President Trump’s war on undocumented immigrants. Up to this point, Bovino has employed unapologetic departures from law enforcement norms without much resistance from the administration. By distancing Bovino, signals suggest the administration could be considering new leadership or ICE enforcement frameworks.
As we approach the World Cup, developments with ICE operations in Minneapolis and at major sporting events will set the precedent for FIFA’s security frameworks. With evidence of ICE arrests at the FIFA Club World Cup, the announcement of Super Bowl security plans, and upcoming international involvement of ICE officials, the Trump administration is walking a fine line between securitization and overuse of an extremely politicized police force. If operations at the Super Bowl or Winter Olympics result in missteps from ICE agents, it could increase international disapproval and deter some fans from traveling to the U.S.
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