Police Use Tear Gas, Water Cannons as Milan Winter Olympics Protests Turn Violent Near New Ice Rink
Police deployed tear gas and water cannons as thousands protesting the environmental and economic costs of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics clashed with officers near the new Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Corvetto; at least five people were detained.
Key takeaways
- Thousands marched in a protest organized by the Unsustainable Olympics Committee, citing environmental harm and public spending concerns.
- Clashes erupted near the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Corvetto; police used tear gas and water cannons.
- Masked protesters set off smoke bombs and firecrackers on a bridge about 800 meters from the Olympic Village.
- Global Guardian issued a travel alert warning of heightened security; at least five people were detained.
What happened
The day began as a peaceful march. Thousands gathered in Milan on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, under banners decrying what organizers call the unsustainable costs and environmental damage tied to the Milan-Cortina Games. The demonstration was led by the Unsustainable Olympics Committee; early footage shows an orderly procession and speeches.
As the march approached the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in the Corvetto neighborhood, groups of masked protesters broke away, threw objects and set off smoke devices and firecrackers. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds and restore control; authorities said at least five people were detained that evening. Source: Euronews written report and Euronews video.
Where clashes took place and why the site matters
Violence unfolded steps from the newly built Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a venue that has prompted scrutiny over construction delays and whether its dimensions meet international standards. The rink sits amid ongoing construction and is part of a cluster of new Olympic facilities that critics say consumed large amounts of public money.
Tensions over venue spending, timelines and neighborhood disruption were central to the march’s message and help explain why protesters targeted this area. Visual coverage and on-the-ground reporting document both the peaceful march and the later unrest. See coverage: Euronews video.
Masked demonstrators on nearby bridge
Approximately 800 meters from the Olympic Village, a group of masked protesters ignited smoke bombs and firecrackers on a bridge overlooking a construction site. Video shows thick smoke and loud detonations that alarmed organizers and security teams, given that roughly 1,500 athletes were housed in the nearby Olympic Village at the time. Live footage: Live stream coverage.
Security warnings and travel alerts
International security firm Global Guardian issued a travel alert advising route bypasses and urging people to avoid all protests. The alert noted at least five arrests and warned that security operations might continue for hours, affecting movement and logistics around the Games. Journalists, teams and attendees were urged to follow official advisories: Euronews video.
Protests over ICE presence
Alongside environmental and fiscal complaints, demonstrators criticized the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Italy. Signs and chants targeted foreign law enforcement cooperation and the visibility of international security personnel deployed around major events, adding a political dimension that broadened the protest’s audience. See footage: Euronews video.
What protesters say
Organizers — including the Unsustainable Olympics Committee — framed the march around three main concerns:
- Environmental harm: permanent changes to alpine ecosystems and large-scale infrastructure in sensitive mountain areas.
- Economic burden: substantial public spending with uncertain long-term benefits for taxpayers and host communities.
- Social impacts: displacement and disruption in neighborhoods near new venues.
Those themes were visible on banners and in pre-clash speeches and interviews. Reporting and video evidence document these claims: Euronews written report; Live stream.
How authorities responded
Video shows law enforcement advancing and retreating while trying to clear streets and protect venues and athlete housing. Police used standard crowd-control measures, including tear gas and water cannons. Authorities reported arrests connected to disorder and said the situation was contained by Saturday evening with no major further escalations reported in available coverage.
“Security operations were activated and arrests made; the area was contained later Saturday evening,” according to local reporting and official statements.
Documentation of the response appears in multiple live streams and news reports: Euronews video; Live stream.
Media on the scene
European outlets and independent live streams captured both the peaceful march and the violent breakaway. Coverage from Euronews provided written and video documentation; independent streams posted to YouTube recorded the clash’s escalation and offer traceable visual records for verification. Sources: Euronews written report, Euronews video, YouTube live stream.
Olympics environmental impact and the debate over costs
The Milan protests reflect a global debate over the environmental footprint and financial risks of hosting mega-events. Critics point to permanent ecosystem change, expensive construction and uncertain economic returns; proponents highlight short-term business activity and legacy infrastructure. In Milan, construction delays and questions about venue sizing and transparency intensified local opposition.
For reporting and context see: Euronews analysis.
Implications for United States of America
Economic and taxpayer concerns: The unrest underscores lessons for U.S. cities and policymakers about transparency, cost overruns and long-term obligations tied to major events.
Security and athlete safety: Global Guardian’s alert and on-the-ground clashes highlight the necessity of robust security planning for American teams and delegations; registration with embassies and adherence to advisories were recommended.
Law enforcement cooperation: Demonstrations against ICE presence could spur political and policy questions in the U.S. about overseas deployments and interagency coordination.
Reporting and sources
This account is based on reporting and video coverage from Euronews and live-streamed footage of the march and clashes. See full reports and video at:
Authorities at the scene reported the situation was contained later Saturday evening and there were no major further escalations in available coverage. Source: Euronews video.
