MILAN — Italian law enforcement deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators during a large-scale protest near Winter Olympics venues on Saturday. The confrontation erupted when a splinter group from a predominantly peaceful march of approximately 10,000 participants began launching firecrackers and attempting to breach security barriers near Olympic infrastructure.
The initial demonstration, organized by environmental activists and community groups, proceeded peacefully with families and students expressing concerns about the Games’ ecological footprint and the controversial presence of U.S. Homeland Security personnel. Protesters carried symbolic cardboard trees representing deforestation for Olympic construction and performed cultural demonstrations accompanied by drumming and protest music.
Tensions escalated when masked activists detonated smoke bombs on a bridge approximately 800 meters from the Athletes’ Village. Security forces established reinforced perimeters around critical Olympic transit routes, successfully preventing protesters from accessing competition venues. Authorities confirmed the disturbances did not disrupt athlete transportation or competition schedules.
The protest coincided with the visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation at Friday’s opening ceremony. Demonstrators specifically objected to the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, though official statements clarified that only investigative agents from Homeland Security Investigations—not enforcement officers—were present in diplomatic capacities.
Environmental concerns centered on the Cortina bobsled track construction, with protester Guido Maffioli alleging regulatory bypasses for Olympic projects. Signs referencing ‘Infernal Olympics’ and criticizing fossil fuel sponsors reflected broader criticisms of the Games’ sustainability credentials and potential financial burden on Italian taxpayers.