U.S. Curler Speaks Out Against ICE Presence in Minnesota

Rich Ruohonen, an alternate on the U.S. men's curling team, condemns recent ICE actions in his home state.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Rich Ruohonen, a St. Paul native and alternate on the U.S. men's curling team, used a news conference at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina to speak out against the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence and actions in Minnesota that have resulted in the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens. Ruohonen, a lawyer, cited the U.S. Constitution and said "what's happening in Minnesota is wrong" with "no shades of gray."

Why it matters

Ruohonen's comments bring national attention to the controversial ICE actions in Minnesota, which have sparked outrage and protests in the state. As an Olympian representing the United States, his platform provides a high-profile opportunity to address this politically charged issue.

The details

Ruohonen, a two-time national champion curler, is an alternate on the U.S. men's curling team at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He spoke out against the recent ICE presence in Minnesota that has resulted in the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by agents. Ruohonen, a lawyer, cited the U.S. Constitution and said "there are no shades of gray" and that "what's happening in Minnesota is wrong."

  • The recent ICE actions and shootings in Minnesota have occurred in the weeks leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.

The players

Rich Ruohonen

A 54-year-old St. Paul native and alternate on the U.S. men's curling team at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Ruohonen is a lawyer and two-time national champion curler who has competed in the curling world championships.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen who was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minnesota.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen who was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

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

— Rich Ruohonen, U.S. Curler (Yahoo Sports)

“I am a lawyer, as you know, and we have a constitution, and it allows us 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.”

— Rich Ruohonen, U.S. Curler (Yahoo Sports)

“I really love what's been happening there now – 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, U.S. Curler (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Ruohonen's comments are likely to spur further discussion and protests around the ICE actions in Minnesota. The U.S. curling team's performance at the Olympics will also continue to be closely watched.

The takeaway

Ruohonen's outspoken criticism of the ICE presence and actions in his home state of Minnesota, delivered on the global stage of the Winter Olympics, underscores the growing political tensions around immigration enforcement and the willingness of athletes to use their platform to address social and political issues.