The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, are set to be a grand display of sporting talent, with Team USA sending its largest contingent of 232 athletes in history.
The presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has sparked considerable public concern and confusion, prompting protests like the “ICE OUT” rally in Milan.
Italian officials have firmly stated that ICE will not operate on the ground during the Olympics but will be limited to an advisory role from within U.S. diplomatic offices.
The U.S. ambassador to Italy has assured that there will be no patrols conducted by ICE, emphasizing Italy's control over event security.
This controversy highlights broader themes related to immigration and security policies, as both governments navigate the complexities of international events.
Meanwhile, Canadian Olympic stars Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson will proudly carry their nation’s flag at the opening ceremony, adding to the excitement of this momentous occasion.