Italy on Thursday unveiled an extensive security plan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, making clear that Italian authorities will retain full control of all operations after confirmation that United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement staff will assist the American delegation.
The announcement follows growing scrutiny in Italy after U.S. officials confirmed that several federal agencies, including ICE, will support the visiting U.S. team during the Games. Italian officials moved quickly to stress that foreign personnel will not conduct enforcement or patrols on Italian soil.
The Winter Olympics, scheduled for February 6 to February 22, will be among the most complex security operations ever handled by Italy. Events will be split between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with additional competitions spread across northern Italy, according to government officials.
About 3,500 athletes are expected to compete, while authorities estimate roughly 2 million visitors will travel to Italy during the Games. Around 60,000 spectators are expected to attend the opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium. The U.S. delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said Italy will deploy roughly 6,000 law enforcement officers across Olympic venues, supported by restricted access zones and no fly areas.
He said the operation combines physical deployments with intelligence based prevention and, for the first time at a major Italian event, a round the clock cybersecurity control room.
In a statement, the Interior Ministry emphasized that all security responsibilities remain under Italian command.
“All security operations on Italian territory remain, as always, under the exclusive responsibility and direction of the Italian authorities,” the ministry said.
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The U.S. State Department confirmed earlier this week that American agencies, including ICE, would assist in protecting U.S. officials and athletes, a practice it said has occurred at previous Olympic Games.
The announcement drew attention in Italy due to criticism of ICE and Border Patrol operations in the United States under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, images of which have circulated widely in Italian media.
Italian officials said ICE personnel will be limited to diplomatic facilities such as the U.S. consulate in Milan and will not operate at Olympic venues or in public spaces.
U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman J. Fertitta said ICE will be present through its Homeland Security Investigations division and will serve only in an advisory capacity.
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“Their role will be strictly intelligence based, with no patrolling or enforcement involvement,” Fertitta wrote, adding that investigators will focus on cybercrime and transnational security threats linked to major international events.
Despite the reassurances, criticism has continued from labor groups and opposition parties.
The hard left USB union has called for an “ICE OUT” rally in central Milan on February 6, coinciding with the Olympic opening ceremony. Additional protests are planned this weekend by left wing groups and opposition lawmakers.