Team USA Freestyle Skiers Share ‘Mixed Emotions’ About Representing the U.S. at 2026 Olympics Amid ICE Raids
Two American freestyle skiers are opening up about the complicated feelings that come with representing the United States on the world stage as political tensions escalate back home.
Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess spoke candidly during a press conference on Friday, Feb. 6, acknowledging that competing for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics carries emotional weight amid ongoing immigration crackdowns and nationwide protests linked to ICE enforcement.
Lillis, 27, emphasized that he remains deeply proud to compete for the United States and has no desire to represent any other country. However, he admitted the current climate has been difficult to reconcile emotionally.
“I love the United States and I would never want to represent another country,” Lillis said. “But I’m heartbroken by what’s happening at home right now.”
Without hesitation, Lillis addressed the impact of immigration enforcement and related protests, saying athletes often avoid political topics, but he felt compelled to speak honestly.
“I think as a country we need to focus on respecting everyone’s rights and making sure people are treated with love and dignity,” he said. “When people watch us compete in the Olympics, I hope they understand that this is the America we’re trying to represent.”
‘It Brings Up Mixed Emotions’
Hess, also 27, echoed similar sentiments, describing the experience of wearing the U.S. flag as emotionally complex given the current political landscape.
“It’s not easy,” Hess said. “There’s a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of — and I think many people feel the same way.”
Rather than seeing his Olympic participation as a reflection of government policy, Hess said he views it as a tribute to the people who support him.
“For me, I’m representing my friends, my family, and the values I believe are good about the United States,” he explained. “Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I stand for everythinghappening in the country.”
Protests Reach Olympic Host City
The skiers’ remarks come amid heightened global attention on U.S. immigration policies. In recent months, ICE operations have sparked outrage following controversial detentions and deadly encounters involving federal agents.
On Friday, Feb. 6, protesters in Milan — one of the host cities for the 2026 Winter Olympics — staged an anti-ICE rally. Tensions were further highlighted later that day when Vice President JD Vance was reportedly booed during the opening ceremony after appearing on stadium screens.
Despite the controversy, both athletes made clear that their motivation remains rooted in personal pride and community support rather than politics.
“I’m doing this for the people back home who believed in me,” Hess said. “That’s what keeps me going.”
The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics begin Feb. 6 and will air on NBC and Peacock, with ongoing coverage of Team USA athletes available throughout the Games.