Thousands of protesters have staged a rally against ICE and Israel during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
On Saturday, the first day of the competition, demonstrators marched peacefully through the northern Italian city to condemn the participation of the Israeli team, the presence of ICE agents with the US delegation, and the environmental and social impacts of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, alongside various issues including the cost of living.
A brief confrontation occurred between Milan police and some protesters at the end of the march, where fireworks were shot and stones were thrown. The police responded with tear gas and water cannons, resulting in six arrests.
Protester Francesca Missana told AFP that the Olympic Games were “no longer sustainable from an environmental or social point of view,” insisting that they should not continue due to dire socioeconomic conditions.
Protest organizer Alberto di Monte highlighted that billions spent on infrastructure should have been directed toward protecting the natural environment.
The opening ceremony on Friday was met with boos for the four-person Israeli delegation and the larger US team, reflecting the political unrest in the US related to ICE’s actions, which fueled protests against the Trump administration’s anti-immigration policies.
These clashes followed a previous protest in Turin, which resulted in over 100 police injuries, prompting the government to impose stricter laws granting police more power to arrest potential troublemakers.
The government’s approval of granting sweeping power to police came in the wake of last Saturday’s demonstration in Turin that left more than 108 officers injured, according to government figures.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni labeled the protesters as the “enemy of Italy,” claiming they projected a negative image of the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini described them as “thugs and criminals,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing security measures.
The protests coincide with chaos on northern rail networks, including incidents of sabotage and vandalism, leading to delays for commuters. Despite the incidents, RFI announced that services have returned to normal, while the transport ministry condemned the actions as “suspected sabotage.”
“These actions of unprecedented seriousness do not in any way tarnish Italy’s image in the world, an image that the Games will make even more compelling,” Salvini, who is also Italy’s transport minister, said on Saturday.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will run until February 22, featuring events in several cities, including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo, Tesero, Livigno, and Bormio.
IMAGE CREDIT: Italian police fired tear gas and a water cannon at protesters as they tried to access a highway near a Winter Olympics venue in Milan, Italy on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by EPA)
[ SOURCE: PRESS TV ]
