Curling Olympian Speaks Out on ICE Raids in Minnesota

Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old curling Olympian, used the platform to criticize ICE's actions in his home state.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old curler representing the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, spoke out against recent ICE raids and violence in his home state of Minnesota during a press conference. Ruohonen, a personal injury lawyer, expressed his concerns about constitutional violations and praised the compassion and activism of Minnesota residents in response to the federal agents' actions.

Why it matters

Ruohonen's comments highlight the broader political tensions and human rights issues surrounding the ICE crackdown in Minnesota, which has become a flashpoint for debates over immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and the role of federal agencies. As an Olympian and respected local figure, Ruohonen's willingness to speak out on this controversial topic lends additional visibility and credibility to the concerns of Minnesota residents.

The details

During the press conference, Ruohonen, a sixth-time "Minnesota Lawyer" Attorney of the Year, criticized the ICE raids in Minnesota, stating that "there's no shades of grey" and that the actions are "wrong" and violate the Constitution. He praised the citizens of Minnesota who have protested and sheltered those in danger, as well as the state's attorney general for filing a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security.

  • On February 10, 2026, Ruohonen spoke out against the ICE raids during a USA Curling press conference at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy.

The players

Rich Ruohonen

A 54-year-old curler representing the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, and a personal injury lawyer at TSR Injury Law in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Renee Good

A civilian who was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minnesota.

Alex Pretti

A civilian who was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minnesota.

Tracy Wong

The owner of the Minneapolis restaurant My Huong Kitchen, who sheltered fleeing protestors.

Keith Ellison

The Minnesota attorney general who filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of the state, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul.

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What they’re saying

“I am a lawyer, as you know, and we have a constitution, and it allows us to (have) freedom of press, freedom of speech, protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures, and makes it that we have to have probable cause to be pulled over. And what's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of grey. It's clear.”

— Rich Ruohonen, Curler and Personal Injury Lawyer (USA TODAY)

“I really love what's been happening there now with people coming out, showing the love, the compassion, integrity and respect for others that they don't know, and helping them out. And we love Minnesota for that.”

— Rich Ruohonen, Curler and Personal Injury Lawyer (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The federal lawsuit filed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison against the Department of Homeland Security is expected to be heard in court in the coming weeks, potentially leading to a ruling on the legality of the ICE crackdown in the state.

The takeaway

Ruohonen's willingness to use his platform as an Olympian to speak out against the ICE raids in Minnesota highlights the growing political tensions and human rights concerns surrounding the federal government's actions in the state. His comments reflect the broader efforts of Minnesota residents to protect their communities and uphold constitutional rights in the face of aggressive federal immigration enforcement.