Concerns Over ICE Presence at Milan-Cortina Olympics
The upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have sparked controversy over the alleged presence of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents in Italy. The General Secretary of the CEI (Conferenza Episcopale Italiana) expressed hope that respect for public order would be ensured by the authorities, without directly intervening in the matter. This statement was made during the final press conference of the Permanent Council, where the presence of ICE forces at the Olympics was discussed.
A spokesperson for the European Commission stated that national security is the sole responsibility of each Member State, as per the treaties, and that the Commission has no competence in this regard. The spokesperson directed further questions on the specific measures taken to the Italian authorities. This response was given when asked about the presence of ICE agents at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Protests Against ICE Presence
A demonstration, titled “Ice agents in Milan? No thanks,” has been organized by associations and parties against the presence of American agents in Milan for the Olympics. The protest is scheduled to take place on Saturday at 2:30 pm in Piazza XXV Aprile, with organizers inviting participants to bring whistles as a symbol of protest against ICE agents. The demonstration has been relaunched by various center-left organizations in the city, including the Democratic Party, Anpi, CGIL, and Sentinelli.
The secretary of the Milan Democratic Party, Alessandro Capelli, explained on social media that the party had promised to take action and was now following through with a peaceful mobilization to express opposition to the presence of ICE squads in the city. The protest aims to promote human rights and show solidarity with those fighting for human rights worldwide.
Cardinal Parolin’s Statement
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, stated that the Holy See’s position is to avoid any type of violence, emphasizing that problems and contradictions cannot be resolved through violence. He described the violence by ICE in Minneapolis as “unacceptable.” When asked about the possible presence of ICE at the Winter Olympics, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged awareness of the controversy but chose not to comment further.
The concerns over ICE presence at the Milan-Cortina Olympics have sparked a heated debate, with various organizations and individuals expressing their opposition to the alleged presence of American agents in Italy. For more information, visit Here