U.S. Olympic curler Rich Ruohonen has joined growing calls to address immigration enforcement practices, publicly criticizing recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in his hometown of Minneapolis. The 2026 Winter Games athlete described the agency's actions as 'divisive' during a press conference earlier this week.
While specific details of the operations remain undisclosed, Ruohonen emphasized the need for 'humane solutions that uphold dignity for all communities.' His statements follow increased scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies from international human rights organizations this year.
As Olympic athletes increasingly use their platforms to advocate for social causes, Ruohonen's intervention highlights the complex intersection of sports, politics, and civil rights in North America. The curler's remarks have sparked both support and criticism across social media platforms, reflecting ongoing debates about law enforcement's role in urban communities.
