Montreal police deployed pepper spray and made at least one arrest during a heated demonstration outside the headquarters of security giant GardaWorld on Friday, February 13, 2026. The protest, which drew approximately 1,000 participants, targeted the company's reported role in staffing a controversial Florida detention site nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz."
Protest Escalates into Confrontation
The gathering began in the afternoon near Place Vertu mall in the St-Laurent borough, where protesters voiced opposition to provincial investments in GardaWorld. Demonstrators then marched to the company's offices on Émile-Bélanger Street, which were heavily secured with caution tape, riot police, and GardaWorld security personnel.
Violence Erupts as Police Respond
The situation intensified when a small group of protesters hurled chunks of ice and snowballs at officers. In response, police used pepper spray directly on individuals' faces and fired what appeared to be a 40mm tear gas projectile into the crowd. This aggressive reaction followed the pelting of officers with ice, leading to a swift escalation of tensions.
One protester was seen throwing an ice chunk directly at an officer and was subsequently pinned to the ground and arrested. The incident underscores the volatile nature of the demonstration, which centered on GardaWorld's connections to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
GardaWorld's Controversial Contracts
According to government records, a subsidiary of the Montreal-based GardaWorld has been approved by ICE to compete for contracts worth up to US$138 million (approximately C$190 million) for emergency detention services. This approval has sparked outrage among activists, who refer to the Florida facility as "Alligator Alcatraz" due to its harsh conditions and remote location.
The protest highlights growing concerns over corporate involvement in immigration detention systems and the use of public funds to support such initiatives. GardaWorld, as a major player in the private security industry, faces increasing scrutiny for its role in these contentious operations.
Community and Police Response
The demonstration reflects broader community activism against policies perceived as supporting restrictive immigration practices. Montreal police, tasked with maintaining order, faced challenges in managing the large crowd, leading to the use of force that resulted in at least one arrest. Authorities have not released further details on the arrested individual or potential charges.
This event marks a significant moment in ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and corporate accountability, with protesters demanding transparency and ethical standards from companies like GardaWorld. As the situation develops, updates are expected to provide more insight into the legal and social implications of this confrontation.
