Thousands flooded Milan’s Piazza XXV Aprile yesterday (January 31, 2026) to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involvement in security operations for next month’s Winter Olympics. Chants of 'No Borders, No ICE!' echoed as demonstrators waved banners reading 'Olympics Should Unite, Not Divide.'
The rally – organized by Italy’s Democratic Party, CGIL union, and anti-fascist group ANPI – criticized ICE’s planned behind-the-scenes role in a security control room. Protesters linked the agency’s U.S. border policies to what they called 'alarming signs of rising fascism' globally 🌍.
While Olympic officials confirm ICE agents won’t have public-facing roles, activists argue their mere presence contradicts the Games’ spirit. 'We can’t celebrate athletic unity while normalizing agencies that separate families,' said student protester Giulia Ricci, 22.
The 2026 Games begin February 6, with security remaining a hot-button issue as athletes worldwide prepare to arrive ❄️.
