Jake Paul Defends ICE Agents Amid Olympic Visit to Support Fiancée
MILAN, Italy — Jake Paul, the former professional boxer and social media personality, took a moment away from the Winter Olympics to publicly defend U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, sparking controversy amid ongoing debates about law enforcement and immigration policies. Paul, who is in Italy supporting his fiancée, Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam, attended a women’s Olympic hockey game alongside U.S. Senator and Vice President JD Vance on February 7. Following the event, Paul took to the social media platform X to voice his strong support for ICE agents, drawing a sharp contrast with recent comments by American athletes and entertainers.
Paul’s remarks came in response to criticism of ICE and law enforcement voiced by singer Billie Eilish and some U.S. Olympians. Eilish, who made headlines at the 2026 Grammys for her acceptance speech that included the phrase “nobody is illegal on stolen land,” has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights. Paul countered her stance with a pointed message, writing, “If you don’t like ICE then you can’t call 911 when you’re in trouble. If you don’t respect law enforcement agents then you shouldn’t depend on them.” He further took a jab at Eilish, warning that if she were to experience a home invasion, she would not be calling ICE for help.
The comments come amid a broader national conversation about immigration enforcement and the role of agencies like ICE, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security. ICE has been a focal point of both support and criticism, with advocates highlighting its role in national security and critics pointing to concerns about immigration policies and enforcement practices.
Paul’s defense of ICE also intersected with criticism of American athletes who have expressed ambivalence or discomfort about representing the United States at the Olympics. Some U.S. competitors have publicly wrestled with reconciling their participation with ongoing violence and social issues in the country. Notably, skier Mikaela Shiffrin spoke about the difficulty of representing the nation amid global turmoil, reflecting a growing trend of athletes using their platforms to engage in social and political discourse.
During the Olympic hockey game at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, Paul and Vance watched as the U.S. women’s team faced off against Finland in a preliminary match. The event highlighted the intersection of sports, politics, and public opinion, with Paul’s outspoken defense of law enforcement adding another layer to the complex atmosphere surrounding the Games.
Paul’s comments have drawn attention from various corners of the sports and political worlds. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency continues to operate under intense scrutiny as the Biden administration and Congress debate immigration reform and enforcement strategies. Meanwhile, the Olympics remain a stage not only for athletic competition but also for expressions of national identity and political viewpoints.
As the Winter Olympics progress, the dialogue surrounding athletes’ roles in social issues and the public’s perception of law enforcement agencies like ICE will likely remain a prominent and contentious topic. Paul’s outspoken stance underscores the ongoing tensions in American society over immigration, law enforcement, and patriotism.
For more on the role of ICE and immigration enforcement, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement page. For updates on the Winter Olympics and athlete perspectives, see coverage from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and official Olympic sources at Olympics.com.
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