US Curler Speaks Out Against ICE Crackdown in Minnesota

Rich Ruohonen, a Minnesota native on the US Men's Curling Team, condemns immigration enforcement actions in his home state.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Rich Ruohonen, a member of the United States Men's Curling Team competing in the Olympics in Italy, spoke out against the immigration crackdown happening in his home state of Minnesota. Ruohonen, who is also a practicing personal injury attorney in Minnesota, expressed pride in representing the US but said "we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention what's going on in Minnesota and what a tough time it's been for everybody." He stated that "what's happening in Minnesota is wrong" and praised the compassion and respect shown by Minnesotans in helping those affected by the immigration enforcement actions.

Why it matters

Ruohonen's comments provide a high-profile athlete's perspective on the controversial immigration enforcement actions taking place in Minnesota, which have drawn national attention and sparked protests. As a local resident and member of the US Olympic team, his words carry weight and reflect the concerns of many in the Minnesota community.

The details

Ruohonen, who was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, responded to questions about the immigration situation during a press conference in Italy. He referenced the US Constitution and said "it's clear" that what is happening in his home state is wrong. Ruohonen also expressed support for the actions of his fellow Minnesotans in "showing the love, the compassion, integrity and respect for others that they don't know and helping them out."

  • Ruohonen made his comments during a press conference on Tuesday in Italy.

The players

Rich Ruohonen

A member of the United States Men's Curling Team competing in the Olympics in Italy, and a practicing personal injury attorney in Minnesota.

Team USA Curling

The national office of the United States Men's Curling Team is located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, just under 20 miles from Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, I'd like to say I'm proud to be here to represent Team USA and to represent our country. But we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention what's going on in Minnesota and what a tough time it's been for everybody. This stuff is happening right around where we live.”

— Rich Ruohonen, US Curler

“There's no shades of gray. What the Olympics means is excellence, respect, friendship. And we are playing for the people of Minnesota and the people around the country who share those same values, that compassion, that love, and that respect.”

— Rich Ruohonen, US Curler

What’s next

Ruohonen and the US Men's Curling Team will continue competing in the Olympics in Italy, while the immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota remain an ongoing issue that has drawn national attention.

The takeaway

Ruohonen's comments reflect the concerns of many Minnesotans about the immigration crackdown in their state, and demonstrate how high-profile athletes are using their platform to speak out against policies they view as unjust or harmful to their local communities.