US Olympic Officials Rename Athlete Lounge Amid Immigration Protests
In response to protests from activists focused on illegal immigration, U.S. Olympic officials decided to change the name of the athlete reception lounge from “Ice House” to “Winter House.”
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) was promoting this area at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games in Italy as an “athlete-first space.” It was intended as a place where American figure skaters, hockey players, speed skaters, and their guests could unwind during the competition, as reported.
The organizations involved, including U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speed Skating, mentioned in a statement that this hospitality concept aimed to create a private, distraction-free space for athletes, their families, and friends to celebrate the experience of the Winter Olympics.
Describing the rationale behind the name change, a statement noted that the new title reflects the season and the nature of the event.
Some athletes view the change as a symbolic but necessary adjustment. Figure skater Amber Glenn called it a “wise” decision, emphasizing the current social issues at play.
“With everything going on, it’s unfortunate that the term ‘ICE’ carries such a weight. It’s crucial to be sensitive to these matters,” Glenn remarked.
She continued, expressing her empathy toward those affected by immigration issues, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening in my country. Changing the name, even if it’s small, might help everyone feel more at ease.”
Protests occurred in Italy, where leftist activists displayed “No ICE” signs during the Olympics, mistakenly believing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be dispatched to the venues. In reality, ICE operates solely within the U.S.
Nicole Deal, the USOPC Chief Security Officer, confirmed that there were no ICE agents accompanying the U.S. delegation in Italy.
She clarified, “With large event security, there are often misconceptions. For instance, it’s inaccurate to suggest ICE is securing events on-site. I’m here to set the record straight: ICE is not part of the Team USA delegation.”
