Olympic curler Rich Ruohonen has joined a growing chorus of athletes taking political stands, publicly criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in his Minnesota hometown. The Minneapolis native called recent enforcement actions "divisive and inhumane" during a press conference ahead of February's Winter World Championships.
🏒 Why It Matters: Athlete activism continues reshaping sports culture in 2026, with Ruohonen becoming the first winter sports star this year to address immigration policies. His comments come as ICE faces renewed scrutiny over detention center conditions nationwide.
🌐 Global Reaction: The story gained traction across APEC member economies, sparking debates about border policies. While Ruohonen clarified he wasn't speaking about China's immigration framework, analysts note increased public interest in cross-border governance models.
