Italy Anger Grows Over ICE Homeland Security Investigations Role at Winter Olympics

In Italy, anger is growing over the deployment of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support U.S. security operations at the Winter Olympics next month, with ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) set to play a security role at the Games.

“Greg Bovino, the controversial Border Patrol commander who is leaving Minneapolis after criticism over the deadly shooting of a nurse by immigration agents”

BBC

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed to CNN that "ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)" will support the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service and the host country, while "All security operations remain under Italian authority," she added.

BBC

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi met with U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta on Tuesday, and the Interior Ministry said ICE's investigative arm, not its operational arm, will be present at the Milan-Cortina Games.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sought to allay concerns, telling RAI on Tuesday, "Let’s be clear: it’s not that they are coming to keep public order in the streets."

The Italian dispute over ICE at the Milan-Cortina Games is tied in CNN's account to criticism after "two deadly shootings during an anti-migration crackdown in Minneapolis," and the BBC describes Greg Bovino as the Border Patrol commander leaving Minneapolis after criticism over the deadly shooting of a nurse by immigration agents.

The BBC reports that on Saturday, January 24, federal immigration agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, an American nurse who was trying to help a woman during protests against ICE and Border Patrol raids in Minneapolis.

CNN en Español

In response to the broader backlash, California Governor Gavin Newsom said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, "Greg Bovino dressed literally as if he had bought an SS uniform on eBay," linking the commander to concerns about tactics and symbolism.

The BBC also quotes White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson saying, "Chief Bovino is an asset to the Trump administration and is playing an important role in making America safe again," as Bovino’s departure from Minneapolis was reported on January 26.

Beyond the Olympics dispute, The Verge describes ICE agents making house calls for online critics, including a case involving David Streever, who received a call from the front desk after checking into a hotel in New York City.

“A sheriff's office sergeant stated that the person whom ICE agents shot this Tuesday was transported to a local hospital and is in critical condition”

Telemundo

The Verge says Streever was told by a "WARNING NOTICE" that ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is "responsible for enforcing crimes against the United States," including "threats made against ICE personnel."

In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington, DC, Streever says he didn’t threaten anyone, and the article quotes Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression attorney Adam Steinbaugh saying, "the First Amendment doesn’t just cover arrests — it also prohibits government retaliation or coercion."

The Verge also reports that DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis told it, "Any allegation DHS and its components are attempting to ‘squash’ free speech is categorically FALSE," and that "ICE investigates all credible threats towards its employees and officers" including threats to the ICE Director.