A clash broke out in Milan on Saturday as Italians protested the Winter Olympics in their country, according to multiple outlets.
A group of protesters tossed firecrackers and attempted to get on a highway around a venue for the Olympics but faced tear gas and a water cannon from local police. According to The Associated Press, the clash began when a peaceful march over the Olympics’ environmental impact and the presence of U.S. federal immigration agents in the country was ending.
Six people were arrested after the incident, the BBC reported.
Earlier this month, hundreds of Italians protested Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) presence in their country before the start of the Olympics.
ICE, which has been mired in controversy after two fatal shootings by federal immigration authorities in Minneapolis, is slated to provide security assistance at the Winter Games.
The AP reported Sunday that the protest and subsequent clash interfered with athletes’ travel to events. Earlier in the day, some protesters set off smoke bombs and firecrackers near the Olympic Village.
The U.S. has faced backlash over its foreign policy since President Trump returned to the White House a little more than a year ago, with many countries criticizing his moves on tariffs and military action.
Amid this pushback, the White House touted the U.S. Olympic team’s presence in Italy on Friday, saying in a post on the social platform X that the athletes were “BUILT FOR THIS MOMENT.”
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
