Milan Protests Against 'Creeping Fascism' of ICE Role at Winter Olympics
Demonstrators in Milan protest the United States' ICE unit role at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, despite agents being stationed in a control room.
By News Agencies
Published: January 31, 2026
Hundreds gathered in Milan's Piazza XXV Aprile on Saturday to protest the deployment of ICE agents during the Winter Olympics, criticizing the creeping fascism in the United States.
The protest, organized by the Democratic Party, CGIL trade union, ANPI organizations, and others, featured plastic whistles and music from a van. Banners read, 'No thank you, from Minnesota to the world, at the side of anyone who fights for human rights' and 'Ice only in Spritz.'
News of ICE agents' deployment sparked backlash in Italy. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi were called to Parliament to testify. Protester Silvana Grassi held a sign reading 'Ice = Gestapo,' expressing deep concern over ICE's role in Minneapolis.
The ICE agents in Milan are distinct from those cracking down on immigration in Minnesota. Homeland Security Investigations, an ICE unit focusing on cross-border crimes, will assist with security, not enforce immigration laws.
'Even if it’s not the same ones, we don’t want them here,' Grassi said. 'We are a peaceful country. We don’t want fascists. It’s their ideas that bother us.'
The Olympics open on February 6, with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in attendance.
