Olympic Curler Criticizes ICE Enforcement in Minnesota

Rich Ruohonen, a U.S. Olympic curler, spoke out against ICE operations targeting criminal illegal immigrants in his home state.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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U.S. Olympic curler Rich Ruohonen, a native of Minnesota, used a press conference to criticize the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in his home state to arrest criminal illegal immigrants. Ruohonen praised the anti-ICE activists who have attempted to interfere with the federal agents' work, saying "What's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of grey. It's clear."

Why it matters

Ruohonen's comments reflect a growing trend of American athletes using the Olympic platform to voice political opinions, particularly around controversial immigration enforcement policies. His remarks highlight the tensions between federal immigration authorities and local activists in Minnesota over ICE operations.

The details

Ruohonen, a 54-year-old personal injury lawyer and member of the U.S. Olympic curling team, spoke out against ICE agents working in the Minneapolis area to arrest criminal illegal immigrants. He praised the anti-ICE activists who have tried to interfere with the federal agents' work, saying "I really love what's been happening there now. With people coming out, showing the love, the compassion, the integrity and respect for others that they don't know, and helping them out."

  • Ruohonen made his comments during a press conference on February 10, 2026, ahead of the Winter Olympics.

The players

Rich Ruohonen

A 54-year-old member of the U.S. Olympic curling team and a native of Minnesota.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, which has been conducting operations in Minnesota to arrest criminal illegal immigrants.

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What they’re saying

“What a tough time it's been for everybody. This stuff is happening right around where we live.”

— Rich Ruohonen, U.S. Olympic Curler (Breitbart)

“What's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of grey. It's clear.”

— Rich Ruohonen, U.S. Olympic Curler (Breitbart)

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

— Rich Ruohonen, U.S. Olympic Curler (Breitbart)

What’s next

The U.S. Olympic Committee may face questions about Ruohonen's political comments and whether they violate rules around athlete conduct and political expression at the Games.

The takeaway

Ruohonen's remarks highlight the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local activists in Minnesota, as well as the broader trend of American athletes using the Olympic platform to voice political opinions on controversial issues.