Today, February 6, 2026 the Olympic Games open in Italy -- an inspiring global event meant to bring the world together. Athletes from every country, culture, and background are meant to stand side by side while promoting the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship.
But the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced something that goes against the purpose of the Olympics entirely --
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are being sent to Italy to attend the games.ICE is not a symbol of unity.
ICE is a symbol of alienation and fear. And this domestic agency has no place representing the United States on international soil.
Sign to tell the International Olympic Committee: keep ICE out of the Olympics!ICE agents have been responsible for violent raids, home invasions, and deadly force in American cities. Lately, all eyes have been on Minneapolis, where public outrage exploded after
ICE agents killed observers Renee Good and Alex Pretti during protests where they were trying to help their neighbors.
Families have been torn apart. Children have been detained. Communities live in fear.The Olympics are about breaking down borders, not violently and unfairly enforcing them.According to the DHS, ICE agents are
going to Italy in order "to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organizations." What it really sounds like is mission creep --
ICE slowly widening their scope of power until they are an unstoppable force enmeshed in every part of American politics.Italian leaders across the political spectrum have spoken out. They have warned that
ICE is seen around the world as an armed force that spreads fear. Journalists in Italy have said plainly what so many already know: for millions of people, ICE is "
synonymous with terror."Let's be clear: ICE should not be traveling internationally while it is
enacting brutal violence at home. An agency that raids homes, detains children, and operates without accountability has no place at a global event built on peace and solidarity.
Allowing ICE at the Olympics sends a dangerous message -- that U.S. state violence is acceptable, that immigrant lives do not matter, and that fear belongs at a celebration of human achievement. It does not.
Sign now to tell the International Olympic Committee: keep ICE out of Italy and allow the Olympics to foster unity, not oppression.