American Freestyle Skiers Admit They Have ‘Mixed Emotions’ About Representing U.S. at Olympics amid ICE Raids

Two Team USA athletes are opening up about what it means to represent the United States on the world stage during a time of deep political tension at home.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, many athletes have avoided direct political commentary, opting instead to focus on personal values. But freestyle skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess offered more candid reflections during a press conference on Friday, Feb. 6, acknowledging that competing under the American flag right now carries complicated emotions.

Lillis, 27, said he feels a deep love for the United States and emphasized that he would never want to represent another country at the Olympic Games. At the same time, he admitted he is struggling with the current state of the nation, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies.

“A lot of times, athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things,” Lillis said. “I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States.” He added that the situation surrounding ICE enforcement and the resulting protests weighs heavily on him, stressing the need for compassion and equal treatment. “As a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens — and everyone — with love and respect.”

Lillis said he hopes Olympic viewers understand that the athletes competing are striving to represent a version of America rooted in unity and care for others.

Hess, also 27, echoed those mixed feelings, saying that representing the U.S. at the 2026 Games is emotionally complex.

“It’s a little hard,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.” For Hess, wearing Team USA colors is less about endorsing national leadership and more about honoring the people closest to him. “I’m representing my friends and family back home — all the things that I believe are good about the United States.”

He was clear that competing under the flag does not mean he supports everything happening in the country. “Just because I wear the flag, it doesn’t mean I represent everything that is going on in the U.S.,” Hess said, adding that his motivation comes from those who supported him on the path to the Olympics.

The broader immigration debate in the U.S. has intensified in recent months, particularly following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minnesota. Controversial ICE practices — including the nearly two-week detention of a 5-year-old child — have sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country and overseas.

In Milan, one of the primary host cities for the 2026 Winter Olympics, demonstrators staged an anti-ICE protest on Friday, Feb. 6. Later that day, Vice President JD Vance was met with audible boos when he appeared on the stadium screen during the opening ceremony, underscoring the global attention on America’s internal divisions as the Games draw closer.