What tech CEOs and executives have said about ICE’s actions in Minnesota

The escalating violence associated with the Trump administration’s immigration policies has prompted a strong reaction from the tech sector. In 2026 alone, federal immigration agents have been responsible for the deaths of at least eight individuals, including two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis—Renee Good and Alex Pretti. As enforcement measures intensify, even affecting children seeking asylum, tech workers are urging industry leaders to take a stand. The tech industry has long had a complex relationship with politics, with companies like Palantir and Clearview AI providing technology to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under President Trump’s administration, ties between tech leaders and the government have only deepened. Notable figures like Elon Musk and David Sacks have held prominent advisory roles. Meanwhile, executives from major firms such as Meta, Apple, and Google have maintained their connections to the administration, having attended key events like Trump’s inauguration. In a statement released on January 24, following Alex Pretti’s death, the group ICEout.tech, comprised of tech workers opposing ICE, urged more decisive action from tech executives. "Big tech CEOs are in the White House tonight," they declared, calling for a collective demand to remove ICE from cities. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a significant Democratic donor, criticized Silicon Valley's previous neutrality in a recent editorial, stressing that the industry must actively oppose Trump’s policies. "Hope without action is an invitation for further harm," he remarked, highlighting the urgent need for a united front against the ongoing crisis. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has shifted his stance since his company began collaborating with the government on projects like the $500 billion Stargate initiative. After Pretti’s death, he expressed concern over ICE's actions in an internal message, emphasizing the need for differentiation between deporting criminals and the current situation. He called on Trump to unite the nation during this challenging time. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, reaffirmed that while his company works with the Department of Defense, it has no contracts with ICE. He expressed his apprehension regarding the implications of recent events on American democracy and the moral obligation to uphold democratic values. Apple's Tim Cook also reached out to staff, advocating for de-escalation and noting his discussions with the president about the situation. Meanwhile, Signal President Meredith Whittaker urged tech leaders to vocally condemn the actions of the state and to uphold their commitments to freedom and privacy. Medium's CEO, Tony Stubblebine, shared his struggle with the ethical complexities of leading a tech company amidst such turmoil, allowing employees to participate in a nationwide general strike if they choose. He reflected on his company's responsibility to define its stance in the current political climate. As the events unfold, numerous tech leaders have voiced their outrage over the killings in Minnesota. Jeff Dean described the actions of federal agents as "absolutely shameful," while others like James Dyett criticized the industry's apparent prioritization of wealth over human rights. The divide within Khosla Ventures highlights the varying opinions on ICE and Trump’s policies, with some partners openly supporting the administration while others vehemently oppose it. Founder Vinod Khosla echoed calls for more tech executives to speak out, condemning the treatment of individuals by federal agents. As the tech community grapples with these pressing issues, the demand for accountability and a collective voice against injustice continues to grow.