US and Israel delegations jeered at Winter Olympics opening ceremony

The celebratory atmosphere of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan was punctuated by vocal disapproval from sections of the crowd as the American and Israeli delegations entered San Siro stadium on Friday. The jeers highlighted how geopolitical tensions have intruded upon the international sporting event, overshadowing the traditional message of unity and respect.

Reception for US delegation and ICE controversy

The United States delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, faced a notable chorus of boos as they appeared on the stadium's big screen. The negative reaction came after days of controversy and street protests in Milan over the confirmed presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as part of the Olympic security detail. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala had previously stated the agents were "not welcome," labeling ICE a "militia that kills." This local opposition directly fueled the public's response during the ceremony.

Response to Israeli delegation and broader protests

The Israeli team, comprising nine Olympians and one Paralympian, also encountered a "smattering of boos" upon entry, though broadcast music largely drowned out the sound. The protest extended beyond Milan, with simultaneous demonstrations reported in the Olympic host towns of Cortina d'Ampezzo and Predazzo. The reaction reflects ongoing global outcry over the war in Gaza; Palestinian officials state that more than 800 athletes have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, a point that has mobilized segments of the international sports community.

Olympic officials' plea for respect and security context

Ahead of the ceremony, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry had appealed for decorum, expressing hope the event would be "seen by everyone as an opportunity to be respectful of each other." The incidents underscore the heightened political sensitivities and security concerns surrounding these Games. The public jeering, a rare occurrence at an Olympic opening, signals a challenging environment for the IOC's aspiration to keep global politics separate from athletic competition.