There are two things every country in the world has in common: food and sports. Everyone needs to eat, and every country has at least one sport locals go crazy for. This final trait is displayed nowhere better than the Winter Olympics, an event bringing athletes from across the globe together for winter sports. But tensions are heating up due to President Donald Trump’s decision to use U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as partial security for the Olympic Games, threatening to freeze the unity brought by these sacred games.
Although the American government is usually heavily involved in Olympic security, ICE agents should not be boarding flights to Italy this year. Protests against ICE’s presence at the games have been erupting throughout both America and Europe. At a competition meant to bring countries across the world together, visible ICE agents could turn the event from an exciting winter tournament into a rage-filled, political circus, and may even lead to violence via riots from protestors or the ICE agents themselves. Milan’s mayor has pushed back against ICE’s presence, calling them “a militia that kills.” The American government should do its best to honor its gracious hosts, keeping the spectators, locals and athletes safe, happy and above all calm.
One thing is certain, this is a power move by the president — a way to tout his power at a global event. ICE has been present at the Olympics for several decades already, working with The Department of Homeland Security. Never has there been a need to announce their presence — a presence invoking fear and anger in many, both in America and abroad.
Regardless of a person’s view on immigration, the Olympics are a time of year humanity should put politics aside to root for their country’s athletes and admire the dedication of foreign ones.
By giving ICE the spotlight at this year’s winter Olympics, America risks creating conflict at a time meant to celebrate connection and sportsmanship. The only ice seen at this year’s Winter Olympics should be on the floor of the skating rinks.
