Archive · 27 Jan 2026
US Prepares for Drone Threats at Milano Cortina Olympics
The U.S. government is working with Italian authorities to prepare for possible drone problems and other security issues at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
Drones can be used for illegal filming or even to carry explosives, so security teams are setting up systems to monitor and control the airspace around the venues.
They are also planning for other potential issues like cyber attacks, protests, and crimes targeting tourists.
U.S. officials are advising Americans traveling to Italy to sign up for safety alerts and be cautious during their trip.
However, the involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in security operations has sparked controversy, with Milan's mayor opposing their presence, citing a mismatch with the city's democratic principles.
U.S. officials are stepping up planning for potential drone disruptions at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, including illicit filming and explosive payloads.
Italian police and military are preparing restrictions and monitoring systems around outdoor mountain venues where drones are harder to control.
U.S. officials recently held a high-level drone symposium in Italy to share information and establish direct communication channels with Italian counterparts.
Security officials cited the Paris Olympics as a case study, where common incidents involved unauthorized drone footage rather than harmful devices.
Beyond drones, officials are also concerned about cyber incidents, protests, and opportunistic crime targeting tourists, with multiple U.S. federal agencies supporting diplomatic security, including ICE agents, although their involvement has been criticized by Milan's mayor.
- Who
- U.S. officials, Italian authorities, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala
- What
- Preparing for potential drone disruptions and other security threats, including the involvement of ICE agents in security operations
- When
- Next month's Winter Olympics
- Where
- Milano Cortina, Italy
- Why
- To ensure the safety of athletes, fans, and U.S. citizens traveling to Italy, with differing views on the role of ICE agents
US and Italian Authorities
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala
ICE Involvement in Security
US and Italian Authorities
ICE agents will assist in protecting US diplomatic officials and support security operations during the Olympics, focusing on diplomatic security and not immigration enforcement.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala
ICE agents are not welcome in Milan, as their approach does not align with the city's democratic principles for managing security.
- Event
- Milano Cortina Winter Olympics
- Threat
- Drones, cyber incidents, protests, opportunistic crime
- U.S. Agencies Involved
- Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), ICE
- Italian Authorities
- Police, Military, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi
- Recent Case Study
- Paris Olympics
- U.S. Travel Advisory
- Enroll in STEP program
- Milan Mayor's Stance
- Opposes ICE involvement in security
