Gus Kenworthy has caused a stir at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, but not solely through his athletic performance. The Olympic freestyle skier recently made headlines for an unconventional protest against U.S. immigration enforcement by urinating the phrase “F— ICE” into the snow and sharing an image of it on social media. This act, which he confirmed was indeed done with urine, reflects deeper tensions surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and related federal agencies.
In his social media post, Kenworthy expressed, “Maybe that’s the price you pay for speaking up and using your platform.” This declaration followed swift backlash after his provocative display went viral, drawing mixed reactions online. His focus on pressuring U.S. senators for reform underscores the urgency many feel regarding ICE’s operations, especially in light of ongoing budget discussions about the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The timing of Kenworthy’s statement coincided with a critical moment for DHS funding, which faces an expiration deadline. Democratic congressional leaders have outlined demands for reform, seeking accountability within ICE and Border Patrol. For instance, they highlighted the need for mandatory public reporting on arrests, limits on the use of force, and a freeze on warrantless raids, particularly after tragic incidents in Minnesota claimed the lives of two civilians during ICE operations.
Kenworthy’s call to action resonates with the rising scrutiny of ICE. He stated, “Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough.” Along with the snow message, he included a sample script for followers to use when contacting their senators about rejecting any funding package without first implementing these critical reforms. His protest aligns with a broader trend of Olympic athletes taking a stand on social and political issues.
This wave of activism at the Milano-Cortina Games has also seen fellow athletes, like Jessie Diggins and Kelly Pannek, speaking out against federal immigration enforcement and violence. Their protests range from social media statements to public comments during press conferences. Diggins articulated her stance by declaring, “I’m racing for an American people who stand for love, for acceptance, for compassion.” Meanwhile, Pannek described the operation that resulted in Pretti’s death as “unnecessary and just horrifying.”
In a more symbolic gesture, Stacy Gaskill wrapped herself in the American flag to honor those prioritizing love over power. Other Olympic organizations subtly responded by rebranding their hospitality space to avoid ties with ICE, hinting at a broader discomfort with the agency’s actions. Even with ICE agents present at the Games, their non-patrolling status did little to quell protests against their involvement.
The political climate surrounding these Games is tense, with demonstrations in Milan against ICE labeled as “creeping fascism in the United States.” This discontent stems from widespread concern over recent enforcement policies, further fueled by ICE’s operational statistics indicating a marked increase in arrests.
The opening ceremonies of the Games echoed these sentiments, as U.S. Vice President JD Vance faced boos when introduced. Such protests during an official event, although against IOC guidelines, reflect the growing unrest among attendees.
Kenworthy’s method of protest stands out not only for its boldness but also for its visceral nature, challenging the boundaries of acceptable discourse. The volume of backlash he received does not deter him; rather, it appears to embolden his commitment to advocacy, alongside other athletes who see their platforms as vital for voicing dissent.
This collective activism highlights a significant shift within the Olympic community, suggesting an increasing willingness to address contentious social issues. As Kenworthy and his peers leverage their visibility to spotlight the troubling realities of immigration enforcement, their actions could serve as catalysts for broader discussions and potential reforms. The ongoing stalemate in Congress regarding DHS funding, amidst partisan divides over immigration policy, may find unexpected momentum through these athletes’ protests, revealing a public yearning for accountability and change.
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