U.S. Olympic organizers have altered the name of their hospitality site in Milan from "Ice House" to "Winter House" in response to protests related to the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, officials said.
The venue, located in what is typically a boutique-style hotel in central Milan, is presented by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee as an "athlete-first space" intended for U.S. figure skaters, hockey players, speedskaters and their families to gather away from distractions while attending the Games.
In a joint statement, U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and US Speedskating described the purpose of the hospitality concept: "Our hospitality concept was designed to be a private space free of distractions where athletes, their families, and friends can come together to celebrate the unique experience of the Winter Games. This name captures that vision and connects to the season and the event."
According to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Winter House will offer a schedule of activities including meet-and-greets with Olympic champions and legends, events to celebrate medal winners, watch parties and sponsored functions. The site is not open to the general public, though the NBC network will feature the venue during its Games coverage.
The name change follows a wave of demonstrations in Minneapolis after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by ICE officers. Thousands of protesters marched in the city and students at schools around the United States staged walkouts demanding federal immigration agents be withdrawn from Minnesota.
Under a national immigration enforcement operation, President Donald Trump has deployed 3,000 federal officers to the Minneapolis area, officials say. The federal force is reported to be approximately five times the size of the Minneapolis Police Department and the officers have been patrolling city streets in tactical gear.
Commenting after a practice session in Milan, U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn said the renaming was a prudent step. "I think it's wise," she told reporters. "It's unfortunate that the term ICE isn't something we can embrace because of what's happening and the implications of what some individuals are doing. Unfortunately, in my own country, it is very upsetting and very distressing to see. And I can't imagine how people who have been impacted by that directly feel. So I think it's wise that we change something as minute as a name if it is able to make anyone feel more comfortable."
The rebranding to Winter House preserves the venue's stated mission as an exclusive gathering point for U.S. athletes and their families while addressing concerns expressed by those affected by the protests. Organizers emphasize the space will continue to host a mix of celebratory and media-facing activities during the Milano Cortina Games.