ICE agents who are killing people in America are coming to Europe

ICE and Border Patrol agents have faced intense criticism in the U.S. due to tightened immigration policies, following the deaths of two Americans in separate incidents earlier this month in the United States.

A source at the U.S. embassy, who wished to remain anonymous, told Reuters that the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division, which operates within ICE, will support security services at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games from February 6 to 22.

According to the embassy source, HSI agents will not carry out any immigration enforcement while in Italy; their focus will be on reducing risks from transnational criminal organizations.

“All security operations will remain under Italian supervision,” the source added.

HSI has previously been present at major sporting events in the U.S. and abroad, including past Olympic Games, a former official told Reuters.

ICE spokespersons did not immediately respond to the agency’s inquiry regarding the operation in Italy, and the U.S. State Department said that multiple federal agencies, including HSI, will assist with security.

Italian politicians outraged

Despite assurances that the deployment of HSI agents is routine, Italian politicians have criticized the plan, emphasizing that the U.S.’s image has been significantly damaged recently.

“It seems like pure idiocy to me,” said Maurizio Lupi, head of the centrist party in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s ruling coalition.

Giuseppe Sala, mayor of Milan, stated that it is clear the agents are not welcome in Milan, adding, “there is no doubt about that.”

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for a measured response: “We are not talking about those who were on the streets of Minneapolis.”

While many ICE agents in the U.S. handle routine immigration work, HSI’s mission focuses on transnational crime, reported Večernji list.

However, the Italia Viva party, led by former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, said that agents associated with ICE do not represent Italian values and should be banned from entry.

The USB union also announced a protest under the slogan “ICE OUT” in central Milan on February 6, the opening day of the Games.