US ICE agents at Winter Olympics spark controversy

With the Winter Olympics set to begin in Italy next month, security preparations are already under scrutiny.

Reports that the United States will send ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers to support US security efforts have been met with concern by officials and residents in Italy.

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, ICE are tasked with immigration enforcement, detention, preventing terrorism, and combating the illegal movement of people and goods.

But ICE officers have faced intense public backlash in the United States after two separate fatal shootings of US citizens by federal agents during an immigration operation in Minnesota this month.

UK correspondent Adam Gilchrist says the timing has made the announcement especially sensitive.

"Given their high-profile presence in Minneapolis and other American cities, the Mayor of Milan puts it – it's a militia that kills, they are not welcome."

US authorities have stressed that the ICE unit will not be enforcing immigration laws on Italian soil and will instead play a limited, 'security role', says Gilchrist.

"They won't be rounding people up and deporting them – they can't, they don't have the legal powers to do that, but why is Donald Trump's private police force being sent?"

To listen to Adam Gilchrist in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: