Billionaires Condemn ICE Actions and Minnesota Killings
A wave of criticism has emerged from a notable group of billionaires in response to recent killings in Minnesota. This backlash follows the death of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents. Pretti’s tragic death marks him as the second American citizen lost to such violence in Minnesota this month.
Billionaires Weigh in on ICE Actions
Among those voicing their concerns are cultural icon Bruce Springsteen and philanthropist Melinda French Gates. Springsteen recently dedicated his new song, “Streets of Minnesota,” to Pretti and his community. He described Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the lyrics as “Trump’s federal thugs,” emphasizing the tragedy of this violence.
Melinda French Gates expressed her outrage on social media, calling the killings of Pretti and another victim, Renee Good, “unconscionable.” She highlighted the importance of peaceful protest, stating that Americans should not fear for their lives while exercising their rights.
Calls for Accountability
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, urged business leaders to take a stand against such violence. On a recent podcast, he remarked that silence will not resolve these pressing issues. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio reflected on the potential implications of these incidents, suggesting they could lead to broader civil unrest.
In a statement through social media, Dalio noted that the global community is watching the U.S. closely during this crisis. He called for President Trump to choose a path toward peace rather than further conflict.
Broader Implications and Protests
The aftermath of Pretti’s death has sparked significant protests across the United States. Demonstrators are calling for greater accountability and questioning the methods employed by federal agents. Many have dubbed for a reevaluation or even abolition of ICE, drawing support from various political leaders.
- Protests have spread across the country, showing widespread discontent with ICE’s tactics.
- Republican leaders, including Rep. Mike Lawler from New York, have also condemned the killings.
- There is a growing push for reform or defunding of ICE among some traditionally conservative figures.
Corporate Responses
Amidst the turmoil, tech leaders have echoed similar sentiments. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared concerns regarding ICE’s conduct, indicating a growing discontent among tech executives. Meanwhile, venture capitalist Vinod Khosla criticized the inhumane treatment of individuals by ICE agents, describing the graphic nature of Pretti’s death as deeply troubling.
In an unexpected turn, hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who supports Trump, made a donation to Pretti’s family, although he previously supported an ICE agent involved in another incident. His donations highlight the complex views surrounding these tragic events.
As communities grapple with the implications of these shootings, the calls for change present a critical moment for dialogue about federal enforcement and civil rights in America.
