After anti-ICE demonstrations, the US Winter Olympics hospitality facility was renamed "Winter House" instead of "Ice House."
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| On Friday, the 2026 Winter Olympics will have their opening ceremony. Getty Images/Patrick Smith |
Following strong protests in Italy and the US regarding the function and behavior of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, three US Olympic groups have renamed their joint athlete hospitality area at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics from "Ice House" to "Winter House."
USA Today was the first to report the news. According to a statement issued in September, US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating collaborated to establish a "hospitality house" for "Olympians, their families, and important partners" in a hotel in Milan for the Winter Olympics. The area was known as "Ice House" during the time. However, in the months that have passed, ICE has come to represent US President Donald Trump's continuous immigration crackdown and its harsh enforcement methods, which led to the shooting deaths of two US citizens in Minneapolis last month: Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. "Our hospitality concept was designed to be a private space free of distractions where athletes, their families, and friends can come together to celebrate the unique experience of the Winter Games," US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating told CNN on Tuesday, confirming the name change. In a joint statement, they said, "This name embodies that idea and links to the season and the event." The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has also been approached by CNN for comment.  When US officials announced that ICE agents would be sent to support US security operations at the Winter Olympics, anti-ICE demonstrations erupted throughout the United States last month and even extended into Italy. This led to protests in Milan, petitions, and condemnation from both current and previous lawmakers, despite US officials claiming that it was regular procedure and clarified the agency's purpose. Beyond the Winter Olympics, there has been a global backlash against ICE, as several companies have begun to distance themselves from the organization. Changing the name of the hospitality space was "smart," according to American figure skater and gold contender Amber Glenn. "It is regrettable that the phrase 'ice' is not something we can embrace because of what is occurring and the ramifications of what some individuals are doing," she told reporters following Monday's Milan practice, according to Reuters. Unfortunately, it is really unpleasant and upsetting to witness in my own nation. And I have no idea how those who have been personally affected by that feel. Therefore, I believe it is sense to alter something as small as a name if it may make someone feel more at ease. Medal celebrations, watch parties, sponsored activities, and meet-and-greets with prominent people from figure skating, hockey, and speed skating will all take place in the hospitality area. Additionally, according to the September press release, broadcaster NBC would highlight the venue in its programming, "giving fans a behind-the-scenes insight" into athletes' lives during the Games, even though it is closed to the public. |
