American skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess have drawn sharp criticism for expressing reservations about representing Team USA at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics amid ongoing immigration enforcement actions.
Skiers Voice Concerns Over US Policies
The Milan-Cortina Games began on Friday, but attention quickly shifted to comments from aerials specialist Lillis and fellow skier Hess. Lillis described himself as heartbroken over operations by ICE agents under President Donald Trump. He emphasized that the nation should prioritize respecting everyone’s rights and treating all citizens with love and respect.
Hess echoed similar sentiments, admitting mixed feelings about competing for the USA in the current political environment. “It’s a little hard,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US.”
Fierce Backlash from Fans
The athletes’ statements provoked strong reactions from some Americans on social media. One user declared, “You shouldn’t be representing the U.S.A. if you hate it here,” lamenting anti-American rhetoric. Another demanded, “Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess should be sent back home immediately. They have insulted our entire nation on the world stage.”
Additional posts called for their removal from the team, with one stating, “I won’t watch the Olympics anymore or support Team USA if they can’t just be athletes and proudly represent their country.” Critics labeled the remarks as insufferable and urged athletes opposed to national policies to stay home.
Protests and Ceremony Boos
Protests against ICE deployments at the Olympics have intensified, including demonstrations in Milan days before the opening. These followed incidents where two US citizens were fatally shot by officers weeks earlier.
At the Friday opening ceremony, Team USA faced boos from Italian spectators as they paraded through the San Siro stadium, led by flagbearers speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsleigh athlete Frankie del Luca. The jeers grew louder when US Vice President JD Vance appeared on screen. Despite the reception, athletes and Vance maintained positive demeanors while engaging with the crowd.
Team USA continues competition at the Games as domestic and international debates over ICE operations persist.
