Europe cannot waver in its resistance to undemocratic actors and their lack of respect for the rule of law.
Announcements that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from the United States would be present at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have spurred outcry in Italy over the last weeks. Liberals have not stayed silent.
ALDE Party member Azione created a petition calling for an immediate ban on the entry of ICE agents into Italy. This petition now has 60,000 signatures.
ALDE Party member Più Europa organised a protest in Rome in front of the US Embassy to deter this from happening.
Party leader Riccardo Magi said:
“At the American embassy today we delivered a simple message. The Government did not oppose the presence of ICE agents at the Olympic Games in Italy out of fear of Trump’s reaction, but we cannot remain silent. They call themselves ‘patriots’ but allow Trump to do whatever he wants in our country, imposing on us the presence of the most violent symbol of his power. ICE is not welcome.”
Voices from across the liberal family have condemned Trump's actions, highlighting Europe's commitment to remaining a beacon of human rights and tolerance.
How can I help?
There’s still time to sign the viral petition and keep the pressure up. Later today, Italian Ministers are expected to comment on the ICE situation and whether plans will proceed as planned.
In light of new reports about ICE requests for sensitive European data, together we can continue to set a precedent for the rule of law, accountability and personal freedoms.