Olympic athletes use global stage to criticize Trump admin’s 'horrifying' immigration crackdown
MILAN, ITALY: As the Winter Olympic Games begin in Milan on Friday, February 6, several Team USA athletes are using interviews and social media to express concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics.
This comes as federal operations in Minnesota have intensified, resulting in the deaths of Minneapolis residents Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. While the Olympic Charter prohibits political demonstrations at Olympic sites, athletes are finding ways to speak out beyond the arenas.
American athletes call for justice in response to Trump’s immigration policies
American Olympians have spoken out in support of compassion and justice, criticizing immigration operations carried out under the Trump administration. Cross-country skiing gold medalist Jessie Diggins of Minnesota said, “I'm racing for an American people who stand for love, for acceptance, for compassion, honesty and respect for others. I do not stand for hate or violence or discrimination.”
She continued, "I get to decide who I’m racing for every single day, and how I want to live up to my values. For everyone out there caring for others, protecting their neighbors and meeting people with love - every single step is for you."
Diggins concluded by saying, "You are the ones who make me proud to carry the flag, and I hope I can bring you joy over these next few weeks."
Kelly Pannek, a hockey player from Minnesota, paused a post-game conference following Pretti’s death, calling the operation “unnecessary and just horrifying.” Reflecting on recent events, he said, "I wanted to take the time to recognize what’s been happening in our state, with Alex and Renee, thinking about their families.”
Pannek further said, “It’s obviously really heavy. People have been asking us a lot what it’s like to represent our state and our country. I think what I’m most proud to represent is the thousands, tens of thousands of people that showed up on one of the coldest days of the year to stand and fight for what they believe in.”
Snowboarder Stacy Gaskill shared a photo on Instagram wrapped in the American flag, honoring “those who chose people over power and center love and acceptance in the face of hate and fear.” Her teammate, Bea Kim, reinforced that she stands for “love, compassion, and respect for everyone.”
Team USA renames hospitality house amid anti-ICE Protests
In response to concerns about possible ICE protests at the Games, three Olympic winter sport national governing bodies, Figure Skating, Hockey, and Speedskating, have renamed their hospitality space to reflect those worries.
The space, which had been known as The Ice House, has been renamed The Winter House. In a joint statement, the National Governing Bodies said, “Our hospitality concept was designed to be a private space free of distractions where athletes, their families, and friends can come together to celebrate the unique experience of the Winter Games.
It continued, "This name captures that vision and connects to the season and the event.” Over the weekend, hundreds of protesters gathered in Milan over the presence of ICE agents at the Olympics.
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha were also met with loud boos during Team USA’s entrance at the opening ceremony. A spokesperson for the Department for Homeland Security confirmed that ICE agents would attend the Games.
But clarified, “All security operations remain under Italian authority. Obviously, ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement operations in foreign countries.” Three-time figure skating champion Amber Glenn, the first openly LGBTQ+ woman competing in figure skating at these Games, highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the community.
She spoke out amid President Trump’s rollback of protections for LGBTQ+ people, “This isn't the first time that we've had to come together as a community and try and fight for our human rights.”
Glenn emphasized that she will “not just be quiet” because these issues affect people in their everyday lives.
