Team USA’s Rich Ruohonen Rips ICE During Olympic Press Conference
Published on February 10, 2026 at 10:39 AM PST
Team USA curler Rich Ruohonen, a proud Minnesotan, did not mince words when addressing the media at the Winter Olympics in Italy. The attorney by day called out the Department of Homeland Security agency, ICE, for what he described as aggressive and unjust behavior.
Ruohonen expressed his concerns about the current situation in Minnesota, stating, “This stuff is happening right around where we live, and uh, I am a lawyer, as you know, and we have a constitution that allows us freedom of press, freedom of speech, protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures, and mandates probable cause for being pulled over. What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong. There’s no shades of grey. It’s clear.”
The American curler also commended the residents of Minnesota for their resilience in standing up to ICE, emphasizing that their actions reflect the values of compassion and unity that America represents. “We are playing for Team USA, and we are playing for each other, our family, and our friends who sacrificed so much to get here today,” Ruohonen added.
While Ruohonen’s statements received support from many, some criticized him for bringing politics into the Olympics. One fan expressed, “It’s a global event that brings people together, and injecting politics can be divisive. Can’t we just focus on the athletes and their incredible achievements?”
At 54 years old, Ruohonen is making his Olympic debut this week, becoming Team USA’s oldest Winter Olympian. Despite the backlash, he remains steadfast in his beliefs and continues to represent his country with pride and conviction.
