U.S. Athletes’ Milan Hospitality Venue Rebranded as Winter House Amid ICE Protests
Updated (3 articles)
Renaming announced on Feb. 4 to avoid ICE connotation On 4 February 2026 the U.S. Olympic federations officially changed the name of their Milan hospitality space from “Ice House” to “Winter House” to distance the venue from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, a move described as a “nod to the tension surrounding ICE” [1][2][3]. USA Hockey, US Speedskating and US Figure Skating emphasized that the rebranding preserves a private, distraction‑free environment for athletes, families and supporters. The decision follows a September 2025 announcement that the venue would serve as a central gathering spot for U.S. competitors across the dispersed 2026 Games sites.
ICE personnel limited to computer work inside venue ICE agents assigned to the Winter House will perform only computer‑based tasks and will not patrol streets or engage in law‑enforcement duties [1][2][3]. The agents belong to a separate unit distinct from the enforcement team involved in U.S. immigration actions, a clarification intended to allay athlete concerns. This arrangement was highlighted in press releases and in statements to the media as the venue’s security protocol.
Protests erupted after Minneapolis shootings spread to Italy Anti‑ICE demonstrations ignited in Minnesota and across the United States after federal agents killed two civilians, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis on 23 January 2026 [3]. The unrest quickly crossed the Atlantic, prompting rallies outside the venue in Milan and broader criticism of ICE’s planned involvement in Olympic security [1][2]. Protesters demanded the removal of any ICE presence, influencing the federations’ decision to rename the facility.
USOPC skips traditional USA House; athletes praise name change The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee opted not to open a conventional USA House because the 2026 Games are spread across multiple locations, making a single hub impractical [1][2][3]. Figure skater Amber Glenn called the rename “wise” given the agency’s negative connotations, while moguls skier Tess Johnson stressed her opposition to hate and violence, linking the change to Olympic values [1][2]. NBC announced plans to feature the Winter House in its Games coverage, offering viewers behind‑the‑scenes access despite the venue remaining closed to the public [3].
Sources
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1.
WBNS: Winter House Renamed Amid ICE‑Related Controversy Ahead of 2026 Games – Details the name change, sponsors’ emphasis on a private environment, ICE agents’ computer‑only role, and athlete endorsements, highlighting protests in both the U.S. and Italy .
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2.
King5: Winter House renamed amid ICE controversy for 2026 Games – Mirrors WBNS’s coverage, adding that the USOPC omitted a USA House due to venue dispersion and reiterating athlete statements on Olympic values .
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3.
CNN: US Olympic hospitality venue renamed “Winter House” after anti‑ICE protests – Focuses on the rename, links it to the Minneapolis shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, describes anti‑ICE protests in the U.S. and Italy, and notes NBC’s planned broadcast features .
Timeline
2025 – The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee decides not to open a traditional USA House for the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Games, citing the dispersed venue layout that makes a single gathering point impractical[2].
Sept 2025 – U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and US Speedskating announce a private athlete hospitality venue in a Milan hotel, initially dubbing it “Ice House” to provide a distraction‑free environment for Olympians, families and partners[1].
Jan 2026 – Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shoot two U.S. citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis, igniting nationwide criticism of the agency’s enforcement tactics[1].
Jan–Feb 2026 – Anti‑ICE protests erupt across Minnesota and the United States and spread to Milan after reports that ICE agents will assist Olympic security, prompting petitions, law‑maker opposition and pressure on U.S. federations to change the venue’s name[1][2].
Feb 3, 2026 – The three U.S. federations rename the hospitality venue “Winter House,” describing the change as a “nod to the tension surrounding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency” and confirming that ICE personnel will be limited to computer‑based tasks inside the venue, not street patrols[1][2].
Feb 3, 2026 – Figure skater Amber Glenn calls the rename “wise,” saying the term “ice” is painful given recent events, while moguls skier Tess Johnson stresses her opposition to hate and violence and reaffirms commitment to Olympic ideals[2][3].
Feb 2026 (during the Games) – NBC announces it will showcase the Winter House in its Games coverage, offering behind‑the‑scenes looks at medal celebrations, watch parties and athlete meet‑and‑greets, even though the venue remains closed to the public[1].