Olympian Curler Criticizes Trump and ICE: Calls Minnesota Actions Wrong
Rich Ruohonen, a prominent curler from Team USA, voiced strong criticism of the recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. This condemnation came during a press conference where Ruohonen highlighted the impact of these immigration sweeps on his home state and its residents.
Curler Voices Concerns Over ICE Actions in Minnesota
Ruohonen’s statements reflect the growing concerns among American athletes regarding domestic political issues. Minnesota, known as a hub for curling, has seen significant protests following ICE operations that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens.
Impact on Community
- Rich Ruohonen is a 54-year-old personal injury lawyer based in Minnesota.
- He called the situation “wrong” and emphasized that the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech and prevents unreasonable searches.
- Ruohonen urged that the actions of ICE are not only unjust but also directly affect the community.
The Minnesota curling community includes notable athletes, such as John Shuster, who led the men’s team to gold in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. Ruohonen expressed pride in the public’s response to the recent turmoil, acknowledging acts of compassion and support among residents.
Olympic Values and Local Resilience
According to Ruohonen, the values demonstrated at the Olympics—excellence, respect, and friendship—parallel those shown by Minnesotans during challenging times. He emphasized, “We are playing for the people of Minnesota and those who share values of compassion and love.”
As discussions around immigration policies continue, Ruohonen’s comments contribute to a broader conversation about the responsibilities of athletes and their engagement with social issues, particularly in light of contentious actions by federal agencies like ICE.
