Clashes Erupt at Milan Winter Olympics Protest

The **International Olympic Committee (IOC)** is the supreme authority overseeing the modern Olympic Movement, responsible for organizing the Summer and Winter Olympic Games as well as the Youth Olympic Games. Founded on June 23, 1894, by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas during the Olympic Congress in Paris, the IOC’s mission is to promote international unity and cooperation through sport. The first modern Summer Olympics took place in Athens in 1896, followed by the inaugural Winter Olympics in Chamonix in 1924, establishing a global tradition of athletic competition every four years[1][2][5][6]. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, the IOC operates as a not-for-profit independent international organization. It acts as a catalyst within the Olympic family, coordinating with National Olympic Committees, International Federations, athletes, organizing committees, sponsors, broadcast partners, and global institutions like the United Nations. This collaborative network enables the IOC to ensure the consistent delivery of the Olympic Games and promote Olympic values worldwide[4]. A key achievement of the IOC is transforming the Olympic Games into a major international event that fosters cultural exchange and global cooperation. Since 1992, the Winter and Summer Games have been staggered to improve organizational and financial balance. The IOC has also integrated environmental sustainability as a core pillar since 1995, recognizing its responsibility to protect host communities and ensure the long-term viability of the Games[1]. Technologically, the IOC has embraced innovations in broadcasting and anti-doping measures, partnering with agencies like the International Testing Agency (ITA) to uphold fair play. The IOC continuously evolves its programs, including supporting the first African-hosted Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, which symbolizes its commitment to inclusivity and global development[4]. Today, the IOC comprises 105 active and 45 honorary members, operating as one of the most influential international non-governmental organizations, blending sport, culture, and social impact through its global reach an

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Founded in 2003 as part of a broader reorganization of national security and law enforcement functions following the 9/11 attacks, ICE's mission is to protect the United States from cross-border crime and illegal immigration. The agency is responsible for enforcing immigration laws, detaining and deporting individuals who are in the U.S. illegally, and investigating various crimes such as human trafficking and money laundering. ICE's history reflects its evolution from the former U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). It has been a crucial component in the U.S. government's efforts to manage immigration and border security. Key achievements include significant increases in deportations and the disruption of transnational criminal organizations. However, ICE has also faced criticism for its handling of detention facilities and deportation policies. Currently, ICE is at the center of discussions regarding immigration reform and border security. The agency has received substantial funding increases, with $28.7 billion allocated for fiscal year 2025 alone, marking a significant rise from previous years. This funding is expected to enhance ICE's capacity to detain and deport immigrants, with a focus on expanding detention facilities. Notable aspects of ICE include its role in creating what some describe as a "deportation-industrial complex," where increased funding supports a large-scale enforcement apparatus. Critics argue that this approach prioritizes detention over due process and humanitarian considerations, such as asylum claims. Despite these challenges, ICE remains a vital component of U.S. homeland security efforts, balancing enforcement with responsibilities to uphold legal and humanitarian standards. Its activities are closely monitored by lawmakers, advocacy groups, and the public, reflecting the complex and contentious nature of immigration policy in the U.S. today.