Handing security for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics to the US agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement has sparked controversy across Europe. Several Members of the European Parliament have called for restrictive measures, including a possible ban, on ICE’s presence in Europe. This is despite the fact that ICE has for years maintained cooperation in France with the IT consultancy Capgemini.
MEPs have accused ICE of using force and violence, arguing that the agency has faced sustained criticism in the United States from politicians and human rights activists over alleged abuses. According to these lawmakers, ICE’s record makes its involvement in Olympic security incompatible with European values.
Europe has long been criticised for applying double standards, and at times a selective approach, to human rights. On the one hand, European officials condemn ICE for alleged serious violations. On the other, they turn a blind eye to supporters of the Iranian regime and to the close links between the International Olympic Committee and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
European leaders are fully aware that large-scale migration flows from countries struggling with political Islam have created security challenges across the continent. The rise of far-right extremism has occurred alongside what critics describe as Europe’s appeasement of political Islam, a trend that now threatens the European Union’s democratic values, both culturally and within sport.
Milan,Italy – 08 Feb 2026
For Europeans opposing the presence of ICE agents at the Milan–Cortina Games, even the prospect of these officers operating on Italian streets under strict European protocols does not offer a convincing security justification. They portray ICE as a symbol of values contrary to European principles. Yet many of these critics have remained largely silent regarding the IOC’s cooperation with IRGC-affiliated members in Iranian sports federations and the Olympic Committee, as well as what opponents describe as institutionalized antisemitism within the Olympic movement.
Contrary to its own claims, the International Olympic Committee is not a symbol of neutrality. Under the banner of Olympic neutrality, the rights of many athletes are restricted on the basis of gender, religious belief, dress choices and social convictions. The IOC continues to cloak these practices in human rights language while insisting on its impartiality.
The reality is that the security of all individuals involved is of critical importance, including athletes, spectators and the risk of violent actors exploiting the Games. Past hosts of major sporting events have repeatedly demonstrated serious security failures. The Munich Olympics in 1972, Atlanta in 1996, the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations attack in Angola, and the 2015 Paris attacks near the Stade de France all stand as stark reminders of what is at stake.
Munich 1972 Olympics (West Germany)
Members of the Palestinian group “Black September” attacked the Olympic Village, killing 11 Israeli athletes and coaches, along with one German police officer. The incident remains one of the darkest moments in Olympic history.
Atlanta 1996 Olympics (United States)
A bombing at the Centennial Olympic Park killed two people and injured over 100. The attack was carried out by Eric Rudolph, motivated by domestic extremist beliefs.
London Olympics 2012 (United Kingdom)
Serious terrorist threats were reported; security forces successfully foiled several planned attacks, particularly targeting Olympic routes and the opening ceremon.
Boston Marathon 2013 (United States)
Two improvised explosive devices detonated near the finish line, killing three and injuring more than 260. The attack was carried out by two radicalized brothers, shocking the global sporting community.
Attack on Togo National Football Team – Africa Cup of Nations 2010 (Angola)
The team bus of Togo’s national football team was targeted in a gun attack en route to a match. Three members of the delegation were killed, forcing the team to withdraw from the tournament.
Paris Attacks 2015 – Near Stade de France (France)
During a friendly football match between France and Germany, explosions occurred around the stadium. The attacks were part of a coordinated series of terrorist incidents in Paris, leaving dozens dead.
