Team USA's Snow Sculpture Removed Over 'ICE Out' Message

Controversy erupts over artistic expression and free speech at World Snow Sculpting Championship

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-angled view of a snow sculpture, with no discernible figures or text, conceptually representing the controversy over the sculpture's political messaging.The removal of Team USA's politically-charged snow sculpture exposes the complex balance between artistic expression and event organizers' responsibilities.Stillwater Today

The removal of Team USA's snow sculpture from the World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater, Minnesota has sparked a debate about the boundaries of artistic expression and free speech. The sculpture, titled 'A Call to Arms', was designed to convey a message of unity and resistance through hand gestures and American Sign Language, but was deemed non-compliant with the competition's rules due to the inclusion of phrases like 'ICE out', 'love', 'unity', and 'resist'.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the tension between artistic expression and event organizers' responsibilities to maintain a family-friendly and controversy-free environment. While the team intended to make a powerful statement, some argue the political messaging crossed a line and negatively impacted the event's reputation and partnerships.

The details

The team, led by St. Paul artist Dusty Thune and teammates Dan Belcher and Josh Jakubowski, said the sculpture's design was influenced by external events, including the recent killing of Renee Macklin Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The team's decision to incorporate these messages was a conscious choice, reflecting their belief in the importance of artistic expression and free speech. However, event organizers cited the need to maintain a family-friendly environment and emphasized the necessity of adhering to the competition's rules and policies.

  • The sculpture was removed from Lowell Park on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Dusty Thune

A St. Paul artist and the leader of the Team USA snow sculpture team.

Dan Belcher

A member of the Team USA snow sculpture team.

Josh Jakubowski

A member of the Team USA snow sculpture team.

Robin Anthony-Evenson

The president of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce & Foundation, which organized the World Snow Sculpting Championship.

Ted Kozlowski

The mayor of Stillwater, Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“The removal of Team USA's snow sculpture from the World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater has sparked a debate about artistic expression and free speech.”

— Dusty Thune, Team USA snow sculpture team leader

“We must maintain a family-friendly and controversy-free environment. The team's decision to incorporate these messages was a conscious choice, reflecting their belief in the importance of artistic expression and free speech.”

— Robin Anthony-Evenson, President, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce & Foundation

“We are deeply disappointed. The team's actions have negatively impacted the event's reputation and partnerships.”

— Ted Kozlowski, Mayor of Stillwater

What’s next

The team is considering legal action to challenge the removal of their sculpture, arguing that it was a legitimate form of artistic expression protected by free speech rights.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate over the boundaries of artistic expression and free speech, especially when it comes to political messaging in public events. It raises questions about how organizers can balance the need for a family-friendly environment with the right of artists to make bold statements.