In a show of solidarity and resistance, hundreds of protesters gathered in Milan’s Piazza XXV Aprile to denounce the deployment of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the upcoming Winter Olympics. The demonstrators, echoing concerns of “creeping fascism,” expressed their opposition to ICE’s involvement in the international event, highlighting the contentious nature of the agency’s presence on foreign soil.
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The Department of Homeland Security announced that Homeland Security Investigations, a unit of ICE, would be stationed in Italy to support US diplomatic security during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This decision has sparked outrage among Italian citizens and activists, who view ICE’s presence as a symbol of overreach and authoritarianism.
While the US government maintains that ICE’s role is essential for ensuring security and cooperation at the Winter Olympics, critics argue that the agency’s history of controversial practices, including family separations and human rights violations, undermines its credibility on the global stage. The protesters in Milan fear that ICE’s involvement could set a dangerous precedent for the militarization of international events and the erosion of civil liberties.
Despite assurances that ICE agents will be stationed in a control room and not patrolling the streets, the protesters remain steadfast in their opposition, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic values and human rights. The demonstration in Milan reflects a broader global concern about the encroachment of authoritarianism and the need to resist oppressive measures, even in the context of seemingly benign events like the Winter Olympics.
As the debate over ICE’s deployment at the Winter Olympics continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the balance between security and civil liberties, the role of law enforcement agencies in international affairs, and the limits of state power in a democratic society. The protests in Milan serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice, accountability, and respect for human rights in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
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References:
1. Channel News Asia: [Biathlon-Greenland siblings putting pride before protest at Winter Olympics](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/biathlon-greenland-siblings-putting-pride-protest-winter-olympics-5898386)
2. France 24: [‘Creeping fascism’: Milan protesters slam ICE deployment at Winter Olympics](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260131-creeping-fascism-milan-protesters-slam-ice-deployment-at-winter-olympics)
3. Sky News: [Hundreds protest against ICE role in Winter Olympics in Milan](https://news.sky.com/story/hundreds-protest-against-ice-role-in-winter-olympics-in-milan-13501426)
4. The Washington Times: [Demonstrators in Milan protest ICE unit at Winter Olympics](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/31/demonstrators-milan-protest-ice-unit-winter-olympics/)
5. NBC News: [‘We don’t want them here’: Italians in Milan protest ICE’s role in Winter Olympics](https://www.nbcnews.com/video/italians-in-milan-protest-against-ice-s-role-in-winter-olympics-256955461979)
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