Milan Protests Oppose Increased Immigration Enforcement Role at Winter Olympics

Hundreds of Demonstrators Gather in Milan to Protest ICE Agents at Winter Olympics

A large crowd gathered in Piazza XXV Aprile, a public square named after Italy’s liberation from Nazi fascism in 1945, on Saturday to protest the deployment of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the upcoming Winter Olympics. The protesters, who came from various left-leaning groups, including the Democratic Party, CGIL trade union confederation, and ANPI organisations that protect the memory of Italy’s partisan resistance during World War II, held signs with messages such as “No thank you” and “Ice only in Spritz”.

The protest was sparked by news that agents from a division of ICE would participate in security for the US delegation. Organisers handed out plastic whistles, which participants blew as music played from a van. Protesters expressed concerns about the presence of ICE agents, citing scenes of violence and detention in other parts of the United States.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has stated that the ICE agents are not welcome, while Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi is set to testify before Parliament this week regarding the deployment. Some protesters, including Silvana Grassi, held signs with messages referencing the ICE unit’s actions in Minnesota and other US cities, where Homeland Security Investigations officers have been involved in cross-border crimes.

The ICE agents deployed to Milan are from a different unit than those involved in immigration crackdowns in the United States. However, some protesters believe that their presence is still unwelcome due to concerns about fascism and human rights. The Winter Olympics are set to begin on February 6, with an opening ceremony attended by US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Source: Al Jazeera