At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, growing calls from Americans urge that U.S. athletes who publicly disparage the United States be sent home, after several Team USA competitors voiced “mixed emotions” about representing the country amid controversy over ICE-related actions. Freeskiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis said wearing the flag doesn’t mean endorsing all U.S. policies, prompting social-media outrage, criticism from former Olympians and some politicians, and demands they be removed from the team. The spat highlights tensions between athlete activism and expectations of national unity on the global stage. Calls continue as Olympic officials weigh disciplinary options now. (salon.com)
By
No Comments
Freeskiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis at Milan say representing the U.S. brings ‘mixed emotions’ amid ICE raids, igniting outrage and calls to send them home as officials consider discipline. According to Newsweek. (newsweek.com) Thoughts? Comment.
#news
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered body‑worn cameras for DHS officers, including ICE and Border agents deployed in Minneapolis, effective immediately, with plans to expand nationwide as funding permits after recent fatal shootings. (washingtonpost.com) Democrats — who had pressed for cameras and secured $20 million in the homeland‑security spending bill — praised transparency but warned about unchecked surveillance, and now are pushing limits on biometric tools and footage release. (washingtonpost.com) They’ve introduced legislation to bar facial‑recognition use and demand restrictions to prevent mass surveillance of protesters. (biometricupdate.com) The move follows circulating bystander videos and escalating oversight fights in Congress and the Capitol press. (theguardian.com)
Cudahy vice mayor Cynthia Gonzalez posted a now-deleted social‑media video urging Los Angeles street gangs—including 18th Street and Florencia 13—to “get your members in order” and push back against what she called the “biggest gang there is,” referring to ICE. Her remarks prompted sharp condemnation from the Department of Homeland Security, demands for resignation from police unions, and reports that FBI agents visited her home. Gonzalez’s lawyer said she intended to encourage peaceful organizing, while the City of Cudahy said the comments were her personal views and are under review. The clip circulated amid nationwide protests over intensified immigration enforcement. (apnews.com)
