There were chaotic scenes in Milan on Saturday, with police using water cannon and tear gas against demonstrators just steps away. Olympic ice hockey rink.

A group called the Unsustainable Olympics Committee organized the demonstrations to highlight concerns about the environmental, economic and social impact of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Milan.

Demonstrators also Protest exists U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel in Italy, according to the Associated Press.

The clash with police took place near Milan’s Santa Giulia ice hockey arena, a newly constructed venue facing scrutiny over construction delays and issues with the size of the rink.

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Clashes and fireworks break out as police and demonstrators try to block the road to the Santa Giulia ice hockey arena on the day of protests against the environmental, economic and social impact of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games, February 7, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Reuters/Claudia Greco)

International security firm Global Guardian issued a travel alert on Saturday, the Associated Press reported.

“Expect heightened security and associated disruption in affected areas over the next few hours,” the security alert said. “Plan detours. Avoid all protests.”

The alert also said at least five people were detained.

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group masked protester Smoke bombs and firecrackers were seen setting off on a construction site bridge about half a mile from the Olympic Village. An estimated 1,500 athletes are being housed in the Olympic Village for this year’s Games.

On February 7, 2026, in Milan, Italy, on the day of a protest against the environmental, economic and social impact of the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, police used water cannons against demonstrators who tried to block the road to the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, and fireworks were set off nearby. (Reuters/Guglielmo Mangiapane)

Police cars protected the road to the athletes’ village behind a makeshift metal fence, but protesters turned aside and continued their obvious route to the Santa Giulia competition venue. one Heavy police presence Guard the entire route.

Police cars gather as fireworks are set off in Milan, Italy, on February 7, 2026. (Maya Sheedy/Getty Images)

There are no signs that the protests and resulting road closures have disrupted Athlete transfers Their events are held in the suburbs of Milan.

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In a larger, peaceful demonstration of about 10,000 people, police said, demonstrators carried cardboard cutouts representing trees that would be felled to build a new toboggan run in Cortina. A group of dancers perform to the beat of drums. Music, including an anti-ICE anthem laced with profanity, blared from a truck leading the march.

“Let us take back the cities and liberate the mountains,” read a banner from the Unsustainable Olympic Committee. Another organization called the Association of Proletarian Tourists organized tree felling activities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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