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A chaotic scene unfolded in Milan on Saturday as police fired water cannons and tear gas at protesters just steps away from an Olympic ice hockey rink.
A group known as the Unsustainable Olympics Committee organized demonstrations highlighting concerns related to the environmental, economic and social impacts of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Protesters also protested the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Italy, the Associated Press reported.
The clash with police took place near Milan’s Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a newly built venue that has come under scrutiny due to construction delays and concerns over the size of the rink.
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Fireworks explode during clashes between police officers and protesters trying to block a road leading to the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on the day of a protest against the environmental, economic and social impact of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics in Milan, Italy, on February 7, 2026. (Reuters/Claudia Greco)
Global Guardian, an international security firm, issued a travel alert on Saturday, according to the AP.
“Expect increased security and associated disruptions in the affected area over the next few hours,” the security advisory said. “Plot route bypasses. Avoid all protests.”
The warning also said at least five people were taken into custody.
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A group of masked protesters were seen setting off smoke bombs and fireworks on a bridge overlooking a construction site about half a kilometer from the Olympic Village. An estimated 1,500 athletes will be accommodated in the Olympic Village for this year’s Games.
Fireworks explode near a police water cannon used against protesters who tried to block a road leading to the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on the day of a protest against the environmental, economic and social consequences of the Milan Winter Olympics Cortina in Milan, Italy, February 7, 2026. (Reuters/Guglielmo Mangiapane)
Police cars behind a temporary metal fence secured the road to the athletes’ village, but the protesters swerved away and continued their apparent route towards the Santagiulia venue. A heavy police presence guarded the entire route.
Police vehicles gather as fireworks are set off on February 7, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
There was no indication that the protest and resulting roadblock disrupted the athletes’ transfers to their events, all on the outskirts of Milan.
At a larger, peaceful demonstration, which police said numbered around 10,000, people carried cardboard cutouts representing trees cut down to build the new bobsleigh track in Cortina. A group of dancers performed to the beat of drums. Music blasted from a truck leading the march, including a profanity-laced anti-ICE anthem.
“Let’s take back the cities and liberate the mountains,” said a banner from the Unsustainable Olympic Committee. Another group called the Association of Proletariat Excursionists organized the carving trees.
