Olympic Skier Gus Kenworthy Sparks Controversy with Graphic Anti-ICE Post Ahead of Milan Cortina Games
MILAN, Italy — As the world’s eyes turn to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Olympic freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy ignited a fierce debate by posting a graphic anti-ICE message on social media just before the opening ceremonies. Kenworthy, who holds dual British-American citizenship and is competing for Great Britain, shared an image on Instagram depicting the words “f— ICE” written in snow, reportedly created using urine. The post was accompanied by a call to action, urging Americans to pressure their senators to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Kenworthy’s caption read, “Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough. We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities.” He further demanded that senators leverage their influence to impose strict accountability measures on ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including removing these agencies from local communities, ending unrestricted funding, and establishing clear limits on warrantless arrests and profiling, especially near sensitive locations such as schools.
The controversy surrounding ICE and CBP has intensified in recent years, with numerous human rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, criticizing their enforcement tactics. Allegations of excessive force, racial profiling, and violations of due process have sparked nationwide protests and calls for reform. Kenworthy’s post taps into this broader movement, reflecting growing public outrage over immigration enforcement policies.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, part of DHS, is responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States, including detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants. Its operations have long been a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration policy. Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection manages border security and has also faced scrutiny for its handling of migrants at the border.
Kenworthy’s outspoken stance is notable given his status as an Olympic athlete competing on an international stage. His willingness to use his platform to highlight political issues marks a continuation of a trend where athletes engage in activism during major sporting events. While some applaud his courage to speak out, others argue that sports should remain separate from political discourse.
The timing of the post, coinciding with the Olympic opening ceremonies, ensures maximum visibility and impact. As Kenworthy competes in freestyle skiing events, his message is likely to resonate with a global audience watching the Games.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration and DHS officials have defended ICE’s role, emphasizing the agency’s mission to enforce immigration laws while respecting human rights. DHS has also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve transparency and accountability within its enforcement divisions.
The debate over ICE funding is currently a contentious issue in Congress, where lawmakers negotiate the federal budget and appropriations for homeland security. Kenworthy’s call to action urges constituents to pressure senators to reject what he describes as “blank-check funding for brutality,” a phrase reflecting concerns about unchecked agency power.
As the Milan Cortina Olympics proceed, Kenworthy’s post serves as a reminder that the intersection of sports and politics remains a potent and sometimes polarizing force. His message has sparked conversations not only about immigration enforcement but also about the role of athletes in shaping public discourse on pressing social issues.
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