Natalie Portman Condemns ICE Actions Following Fatal Minneapolis Shootings
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — At the Sundance Film Festival premiere of her latest film, “The Gallerist,” Natalie Portman took a bold stand against the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis. Portman described the federal government’s response as “absolutely horrific,” sharply criticizing the Trump administration and state officials such as South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
In an interview with Deadline on January 24, Portman condemned what she called “the worst of the worst of humanity” being perpetrated by ICE. She contrasted this with the resilience and solidarity shown by communities across America, praising the collective efforts of people coming together to support one another and fight injustice. “I could not be prouder to be American right now, by the way the Americans are acting. And I could not be sadder to be American right now with the way the government is behaving,” she said.
The actress’s remarks quickly went viral, shared widely on platforms such as X and Reddit, sparking hundreds of thousands of views and a broad spectrum of reactions. Many lauded Portman for using her platform to amplify calls for justice and reform. Supporters referenced her iconic role as Senator Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars franchise, drawing parallels between her fictional fight against government corruption and her real-life advocacy.
Portman also voiced support for the “ICE OUT” and “BE GOOD” campaigns, endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, which honor Renee Macklin Good and Keith Porter and call for accountability within immigration enforcement. The ACLU has been a prominent critic of ICE’s policies and practices, particularly in light of recent events.
While many praised Portman’s courage, some expressed skepticism about celebrity activism. Critics argued that words alone are insufficient when communities face violence and intimidation. “I know she means well but God it’s hard to watch celebrities speak about this from their gilded platforms when ordinary people are getting massacred out in the snow right now,” one commenter said. Others urged that meaningful action must accompany public statements.
The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, which sparked renewed scrutiny of ICE operations in Minnesota, has intensified national debate over immigration enforcement tactics. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, operating under the Department of Homeland Security, has faced increasing calls for reform and even abolition from activists and some lawmakers.
As the controversy unfolds, Portman’s intervention highlights the growing intersection of celebrity influence and political activism in shaping public discourse. Her comments underscore a broader reckoning with government authority and community resistance amid a turbulent national climate.
For more information on ICE policies and recent developments, visit the official ICE news releases and the Department of Homeland Security immigration statistics pages.
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