Today, February
6, 2026, the Olympic Games open in Italy — a global
celebration meant to bring the world together.
But the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security has announced something
that goes against everything the Olympics stand for: ICE agents are
being sent to the Games.
ICE is not a
symbol of unity. It is a symbol of fear, alienation, and
violence — this unruly domestic agency has no place
representing the United States on international
soil.
ICE has been
carrying out violent raids, home invasions, and using
deadly force in American cities. All eyes have been on
Minneapolis, where public outrage erupted after ICE agents killed Renée
Good and Alex Pretti as they observed the agency's
operations. Families have been torn apart.
Children have been detained. Communities are living in
fear. This is not the legacy that should accompany
the United States to the Olympic stage.
The decision to
send an ICE presence to Italy is not only a shameful
move as it pertains to foreign relations and Olympic
values. It also represents something truly nefarious:
ICE slowly widening their scope of power until they
are an unstoppable force enmeshed in every part of
American politics.
Italian leaders
and journalists have already warned that ICE is seen
around the world as an armed force "synonymous with
terror" and are demanding that they be kept from the
Games. Allowing ICE at the Olympics sends a dangerous
message — that state violence is acceptable, and that
immigrant lives do not matter.
Sign now to tell the
International Olympic Committee: keep ICE out of Italy
and let the Olympics stand for unity, not violence and
alienation.
