Milan, Italy – A demonstration initially focused on environmental concerns surrounding the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics descended into clashes with police on Saturday, February 7, 2026. While a large-scale, peaceful march involving an estimated 10,000 people took place earlier in the day, a smaller group engaged in violent confrontations with law enforcement near the Olympic Village.
The unrest began after the majority of the peaceful protesters had dispersed. According to reports, this smaller contingent threw flares and stones at police officers, who responded with batons, water cannons, and tear gas. Masked individuals also reportedly set off smoke bombs and firecrackers, escalating the tension.
The protests stem from multiple concerns, primarily the environmental impact of the Games. Demonstrators carried signs and cardboard cutouts illustrating the trees felled to make way for new Olympic venues, specifically referencing the bobsled run in Cortina. A banner held by a group identifying themselves as the “Unsustainable Olympic Committee” read, “Let’s take back the cities and free the mountains.”
Beyond environmental issues, the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at the Games also fueled the protests. ICE personnel have been assigned to protect officials, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who attended the opening ceremony on Friday and reportedly received a mixed reaction of boos and applause. Demonstrators expressed opposition to the presence of these agents, with some signs specifically targeting ICE.
Italian authorities have deployed approximately 6,000 security personnel across Olympic sites to maintain order throughout the duration of the Games. The clashes on Saturday occurred near the Santagiulia Olympic ice hockey rink, though police were able to prevent the protesters from reaching the venue. The larger, peaceful demonstration had included families with children and students, highlighting the broad range of concerns motivating the protests.
The timing of the unrest coincides with Vice President Vance’s visit as head of the U.S. Delegation. Concerns regarding “shady deals” ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics have also been circulating, though details remain unclear. NBC Universal, Inc. Chief of Security and Athlete Services for the USOPC, Nicole Deal, has dismissed rumors of ICE securing the games as “misinformation.”
The incident underscores the growing scrutiny surrounding the environmental and social costs of hosting large-scale sporting events like the Olympics. The protests in Milan reflect a broader global movement questioning the sustainability and inclusivity of the Games, and the impact on local communities. The initial peaceful demonstration, drawing a crowd of 10,000, demonstrates the significant public concern surrounding these issues.
While the majority of protesters engaged in peaceful demonstration, the actions of a smaller group resulted in a forceful response from Italian police. The use of tear gas and water cannons raises questions about the proportionality of the response, and the potential for further unrest as the Games progress. The situation remains fluid, and authorities will likely be on high alert for any further demonstrations.
The protests also highlight the increasingly complex geopolitical dimensions of the Olympics. The presence of U.S. Officials and security personnel, and the resulting opposition from some segments of the Italian population, underscore the challenges of hosting an event with significant international implications. The Games are intended to be a celebration of athletic achievement, but they are inevitably intertwined with political and social issues.
As the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue, the focus will not only be on the competition on the field of play, but also on the ongoing dialogue between organizers, protesters, and the local community. The events of Saturday serve as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to sustainability in the planning and execution of future Olympic Games.
