Italy Confirms Winter Olympics Security Plan
Italy revealed a detailed Winter Olympics security plan ahead of the February 6–22 Games. Officials confirmed that all operations will remain under Italian control. US ICE staff will only assist in diplomatic offices, not on the ground.
Italy Outlines Winter Olympics Security
The Games will take place across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with additional events in northern Italy. About 3,500 athletes will compete, while the government expects two million visitors. The opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium alone will host around 60,000 spectators.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the plan combines field deployments with intelligence-led prevention. For the first time at a major Italian event, a 24-hour cybersecurity control room will operate. Drone surveillance and robotic inspection systems will support the operation.
Officers, Protests, and Diplomatic Support
Over 6,000 law-enforcement officers will be deployed, including Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza. No-fly zones and restricted-access areas will enhance security. The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will receive protection from federal agencies like ICE—but only in consulates.
Despite these measures, criticism persists. Left-wing groups and unions plan protests during the opening ceremony. ICE and Border Patrol agents have faced backlash in the US, which has raised concerns in Italy.
Officials emphasized that Italian authorities will remain fully responsible for all operations. Security planners aim to prevent disruptions to venues and transport infrastructure, learning lessons from past global events like Paris 2024.
