Italians react to ICE’s participation in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Local residents in Italy have voiced concern over ICE agents supporting the U.S. delegation at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The national governing bodies for the three U.S. Winter Olympics winter sports have renamed a hospitality space in Milan over concerns about ICE protests in Italy during the Olympics, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday afternoon. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
USA Figure Skating, USA Hockey and USA Speed Skating have decided to change the name of the Ice House to the Winter House.
“Our hospitality concept was designed to be a private, distraction-free space where athletes, their families and friends can gather to celebrate the unique experience of the Winter Olympics. The name captures that vision and connects us to the season and the event,” NGB said in a joint statement provided to USA TODAY Sports.
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee typically welcomes athletes and sponsors to USA House during the Games. However, due to the remote location of the 2026 Milan-Cortino Olympic Games, this was not possible at this Olympic Games, so the three Milan-based sports that are all played or performed on ice decided to set up their own hospitality venues together.
Over the weekend, a protest against the presence of ICE agents at the Olympics drew hundreds of people in Milan.
This is a developing story.
