US ICE and Qatari officers arrive for Olympics security, sparking protests in Milan over immigration controversies.
Milan: Italians are worried about security forces coming for the Winter Olympics. Less than one week before the Games start a new problem has made many people upset. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will come with American officials though they say they will not arrest people. Many Italians remember when US agents shot and killed two people recently in America.
Mayor Giuseppe Sala said he does not want ICE in his city. He told a radio show the agents are not welcome here. Some other Italian leaders do not mind the agents being here. The Prime Minister has not said anything yet. People held signs that read “No ICE in Milano” and “ICE Out Now” in a big protest.
The agents will protect American leaders like the Vice President and Secretary of State. They will wear suits and ties not masks or military gear. ICE will not work with Italian police who will have over six thousand officers at the Games. This makes some people feel better but others still worry.
Some cars also made Italians concerned when they arrived. A plane brought one hundred Qatari security officers with twenty camouflaged SUVs and three snowmobiles to Italy. These vehicles drove through the city center past famous places like Piazza Duomo. People wonder why Qatar needs such a large security team. Officials say all the security plans follow normal Olympic rules.