U.S. Curler Voices Political Concerns Over Minnesota Immigration Operations at Winter Olympics
American curler Rich Ruohonen has joined a growing list of U.S. athletes using the international platform of the Winter Games to comment on domestic political issues. During a press conference in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, the 54-year-old personal injury lawyer from Minnesota condemned recent immigration enforcement actions in his home state.
Constitutional Concerns Raised at International Sporting Event
"I'd like to say I'm proud to be here to represent Team USA, and to represent our country. But we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention what's going on in Minnesota," Ruohonen stated. The curler, who serves as an alternate for the U.S. men's team, emphasized the difficult circumstances facing communities back home.
"What a tough time it's been for everybody. This stuff is happening right around where we live," he added, referencing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that have sparked protests across Minnesota following incidents where two U.S. citizens were killed.
Legal Perspective on Immigration Enforcement
Drawing from his professional background, Ruohonen framed his criticism in constitutional terms. "I am a lawyer, as you know. We have a constitution, and it allows us freedom of speech," he explained. "It protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures. And makes it that we have to have probable cause to be pulled over."
The athlete offered a clear verdict on the situation: "What's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of grey. It's clear." His comments come amid increased political activism from American athletes at the Winter Games, including skier Hunter Hess who recently drew criticism from President Donald Trump.
Minnesota's Curling Legacy and Community Response
Minnesota represents a significant stronghold for curling in the United States, having produced numerous Olympic competitors including John Shuster who led the men's team to gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. Ruohonen expressed particular pride in how Minnesota communities have responded to the immigration enforcement actions.
"I really love what's been happening there now. With people coming out, showing the love, the compassion, the integrity and respect for others that they don't know, and helping them out," he said. "We love Minnesota for that ... We love our country. We're playing for the U.S. We're playing for each other, we're playing for our family and our friends that sacrificed so much to get here today."
Olympic Values and Political Expression
Ruohonen connected the Olympic spirit with the values demonstrated by protesters in Minnesota. "What the Olympics means is excellence, respect, friendship. We all, I think, exemplify that," he reflected. "We are playing for the people of Minnesota and the people around the country who share those same values, that compassion, that love, and that respect."
The curler's comments highlight the increasing intersection of sports and politics at international competitions, with athletes leveraging their platforms to address domestic issues while competing on the world stage.
