**Article:**
A unit from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency deployed to Italy for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will not carry out patrols or enforcement activities, according to the US ambassador. Instead, the ICE team’s role will be limited to providing advice and support to local authorities during the event.
The announcement comes amid concerns and criticism from some Italians over ICE’s involvement, given the agency’s strict immigration policies in the United States. Italian officials and citizens have expressed unease about the presence of an American immigration enforcement agency on their soil during the international sporting event.
US officials have emphasized that the ICE deployment is intended solely to assist Italian security forces with information sharing and coordination, without direct operational authority or enforcement powers.
**Why this matters**
The clarification about ICE’s role aims to address public concerns about foreign law enforcement activities on Italian territory. It highlights the sensitivity surrounding immigration enforcement in international contexts and the importance of cooperation between countries during major global events like the Olympics.
Source: NewsData