U.S. Olympic Hospitality Space Renamed Amid Protests Against ICE

U.S. Olympic officials have renamed an athlete hospitality space at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics from "Ice House" to "Winter House." This decision follows widespread protests in Minneapolis against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, by ICE officers. The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) described the venue as an "athlete-first space" intended for U.S. figure skaters, hockey players, speedskaters, and their families to gather in a boutique-style hotel in Milan.

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The protests in Minneapolis were part of a larger national outcry against the actions of ICE, which has seen increased federal presence under President Donald Trump's administration. In response to the shootings, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, demanding the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from Minnesota. The protests also included student walkouts across the country, reflecting a significant backlash against federal immigration enforcement policies.

Trump orders DHS to stay away from protests in Democratic-led cities unless they seek federal help

In a joint statement, U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating emphasized that the name change aligns with their vision of creating a welcoming environment for athletes and their families. They stated, "This name captures that vision and connects to the season and the event." U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn remarked, "I think it's wise... It's unfortunate that the term ICE isn't something we can embrace because of what's happening and the implications of what some individuals are doing."

Olympics-U.S. Hospitality Space Changes Name From 'Ice House' to 'Winter House' Following Protests

The decision to rename the hospitality space was also influenced by local sentiments in Italy. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala expressed that ICE agents were not welcome in Milan, stating, "They don’t need ICE for the Olympic Games’ security." This sentiment was echoed by various Italian officials and members of the United Nations, who criticized the presence of ICE at the Olympics. UNGA President Annalena Baerbock called for a commitment to the Olympic Truce, emphasizing the importance of peace during the Games.

Donald Trump’s Ongoing Protests Force Milan Olympics to Bring Major Change to LandmarkU.S. hospitality space changes name from 'Ice House' to 'Winter House' following protestsNGBs rename hospitality space to Winter House in wake of ICE protestsU.S. Olympic teams rename exclusive hospitality center in wake of ICE protestsOlympics-U.S. Hospitality Space Changes Name From 'Ice House' to 'Winter House' Following ProtestsWitkoff, Iran's Araqchi to discuss possible nuclear deal on Friday, US official saysTrump still aims for control of Greenland, its PM Nielsen warnsTrump orders DHS to stay away from protests in Democratic-led cities unless they seek federal help

The Winter House will host various activities, including meet-and-greets with Olympic champions and medal celebrations, although it will not be open to the public. The change in name and the surrounding protests highlight the ongoing tensions regarding immigration policies and their implications on international events like the Olympics. As the Games approach, the focus will remain on how these issues will affect the experience of athletes and attendees alike.

U.S. hospitality space changes name from 'Ice House' to 'Winter House' following protests

• “This name captures that vision and connects to the season and the event.” — U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating

Olympics-U.S. Hospitality Space Changes Name From 'Ice House' to 'Winter House' Following Protests

• “It's unfortunate that the term ICE isn't something we can embrace because of what's happening and the implications of what some individuals are doing.” — Amber Glenn, U.S. Figure Skater

Olympics-U.S. Hospitality Space Changes Name From 'Ice House' to 'Winter House' Following Protests

• “They are not welcome in Milan, without a doubt,” — Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan

Donald Trump’s Ongoing Protests Force Milan Olympics to Bring Major Change to Landmark