Several Team USA athletes at the Winter Olympics are publicly distancing themselves from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying they feel “heartbroken” about events unfolding back home.
While speaking to reporters, freestyle skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess made it clear that although they are proud to represent the United States, they do not see themselves as symbols of every government action.
“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
— Hunter Hess
Athletes draw a line
According to Reuters, Lillis addressed questions about ICE and related protests by acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment.
“I feel heartbroken about what’s happened in the United States,” Lillis said.
He went on to stress that representing the country should also mean standing up for human dignity.
“We need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect.”
Similarly, Hess admitted that wearing Team USA gear has felt complicated.
“It’s a little hard to wear Team USA gear when there’s a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of,” he said.
Calling for peace at home and abroad
Meanwhile, fellow freestyle skier Alex Ferreira emphasized that the Olympics should stand for unity, not division.
“Let’s not only bring world peace, but domestic peace within our country as well,” Ferreira said.
His comments echoed a broader sentiment among athletes who see the Games as a space for healing and shared humanity.
Even Olympic branding shifts
Notably, U.S. Olympic officials have also taken steps to avoid confusion. Reports say the athlete hospitality lounge previously called the “ICE House” has been renamed the “Winter House.”
Figure skater Amber Glenn addressed the change, noting how the term has taken on a painful meaning.
“It’s unfortunate that the term ICE isn’t something we can embrace because of what’s happening and the implications,” Glenn said.
A message beyond the medals
Taken together, the athletes’ statements reflect a clear message: pride in representing the U.S. does not require silence about injustice.
Instead, many say, it means using their platform to call for compassion, accountability, and peace — both on the world stage and back home.
