Team USA skiers Hunter Hess, Jessie Diggins, Chris Lillis and others slam ICE at Winter Olympics

MILAN, ITALY: Team USA skiers openly criticized the Trump administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations while representing the country at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The athletes shared their views during media interviews, turning attention away from competition and toward politics.

Several skiers spoke against ICE during their interactions with reporters. One Olympic gold medalist said he was heartbroken over the situation. Another athlete admitted he had “mixed emotions” during the opening ceremony.

Team Great Britain skier Gus Kenworthy also joined the conversation by posting a message that included the words “F**k ICE,” adding to the growing controversy surrounding the athletes’ statements.

Skiers who spoke out against ICE's actions at Winter Olympics

Several skiers, not just one or two, have publicly condemned ICE actions taking place across the country. Some voiced their criticism during press events, while others shared their views on social media.

Chris Lillis

Two-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist Chris Lillis said he still feels proud to compete for the United States, but struggles with the administration’s policies. He made it clear he would not choose to represent another nation, yet admitted the political climate has affected him emotionally.

"I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States. I’m pretty sure you’re referencing ICE and some of the protests and things like that," he continued.

"I think that, as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect. I hope that when people look at athletes compete in the Olympics, they realize that that’s the America we’re trying to represent," he added. 

Hunter Hess

First-time Olympian Hunter Hess shared a similar view but said his feelings about competing are complicated. He explained that representing the US during this period has been emotionally difficult for him. 

"It brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now, I think. It’s a little hard. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t. I think, for me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the US. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it," the 27-year-old said. 

"Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US. I just kind of want to do it for my friends and my family and the people that support me getting here," the freestyle skier added. 

Jessie Diggins

Cross-country skiing gold medalist Jessie Diggins said her motivation comes from the people she believes represent the country’s best values. She stressed that her focus is on compassion and inclusion.

“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 said. "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."

Alex Ferreira

As per Breitbart, freestyle skier Alex Ferreira described the Olympic stage as a symbol of unity. He said he hopes the event can inspire both global and national harmony. The Olympics represented “peace.”

“Let’s not only bring world peace, but domestic peace within our country as well, hopefully,” Ferreira added.

Gus Kenworthy

Team GB skier Gus Kenworthy also stirred controversy with a protest directed at immigration authorities. He posted a message criticizing ICE, “Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough,” said Kenworthy. “We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities.

“Senators still have leverage right now... and must use it to demand real guardrails and accountability- including getting ICE and CBP [customs and border protection] out of our communities, ending blank-check funding for brutality, and establishing clear limits on warrantless arrests, profiling, and enforcement at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals,” he added. 

Hospitality venue name change aims to avoid protest-related distractions

Team USA officials have changed the name of a hospitality venue at the Winter Games after concerns surfaced about potential anti-ICE protests. Three national bodies overseeing winter Olympic sports, Figure Skating, Hockey, and Speedskating, agreed to the adjustment in response to the tense atmosphere surrounding the event.

The gathering space was originally called "The Ice House," but will now operate as "The Winter House." In a joint statement, the organizations explained that the venue is meant to serve as a private retreat where athletes and their loved ones can relax and enjoy the Games without outside disruptions.