Milan Winter Olympics Marred by Protests Against ICE and Israel

Widespread Demonstrations Mark Milan Olympics Opening

The opening days of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have been met with significant protests across Milan, Italy. Demonstrators have voiced strong opposition to the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the participation of Israel in the Games. These protests, which began in the days leading up to the opening ceremony on Friday, February 6, 2026, and continued through the weekend, have seen thousands take to the streets, with some instances leading to clashes with police.

Opposition to ICE Presence Fuels Protests

A primary focus of the demonstrations has been the involvement of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Olympic security. Protesters have expressed concerns over ICE's role in aggressive immigration crackdowns in the United States and potential civil rights violations. Slogans such as 'ICE OUT' and 'ICE should be in my drinks, not my city' were displayed on banners. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala publicly stated that ICE agents were 'not welcome in Milan,' referring to the agency as a 'militia that kills.' The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) personnel, an ICE unit, were present to assist with security. However, Italy's Interior Minister clarified that these agents would serve in an advisory capacity and operate solely within US diplomatic missions. During the opening ceremony at the San Siro stadium, US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were reportedly met with jeers from the crowd.

Pro-Palestinian Groups Target Israel's Participation

Concurrently, pro-Palestinian groups have actively protested against Israel's involvement in the Winter Olympics. Marchers carried placards denouncing Israel and calling for its exclusion from the Games. Some demonstrations also highlighted the arrest of Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who was detained in December on suspicion of fundraising for Hamas. Palestinian flags were prominently displayed during these rallies. The Israeli delegation also experienced a 'smattering of boos' as they entered the stadium during the opening ceremony.

Clashes with Police and Broader Anti-Olympics Sentiment

Beyond the specific grievances against ICE and Israel, the protests also encompassed broader concerns regarding the environmental and financial impact of the Olympics, as well as rising housing costs in Milan. On Saturday, February 7, a segment of approximately 100 protesters broke away from a larger, peaceful demonstration of an estimated 10,000 people. This group engaged in confrontations with police near Olympic venues, throwing firecrackers, smoke bombs, and bottles. Law enforcement responded with water cannons and tear gas, leading to the detention of six or seven individuals. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni condemned the anti-Olympics actions, labeling those responsible as 'enemies of Italy and Italians.' In response to the unrest, Italy has implemented new security measures, allowing police to detain suspected agitators for up to 12 hours.