On January 13, Matt Damon attended the world premiere of his new Netflix movie, The Rip, wearing a pin on his blazer that read “BE GOOD” as a statement against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This gesture came in response to recent incidents involving ICE agents, including the fatal shooting of 37-year-old mother and writer Renee Nicole Goode in Minneapolis.
Background on Fatal Encounters Involving ICE Agents
Renee Nicole Goode died on January 7 after being shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis. Another similar case occurred on New Year’s Eve in Southern California when Keith Porter died following an altercation with an off-duty ICE officer. These deaths have prompted widespread concern and criticism of ICE’s conduct from grassroots groups and prominent figures alike.
Activism Through Symbols: The Meaning Behind the Pins
Grassroots organizations and civil rights advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have issued pins with slogans such as “ICE OUT” and “BE GOOD” to raise awareness about ICE’s controversial actions. Damon’s choice to wear the “BE GOOD” pin at a high-profile event aligns him with this growing movement demanding accountability for the agency’s recent conduct.
Matt Damon’s Statement on the Situation
Speaking with USA Today, Damon emphasized the widespread concern about these events and the need for public dialogue. He said,
I think like millions of people around the country, we’re really concerned with what’s going on,
and added,
And I think it’s about raising awareness about what’s happening in our cities and on our streets, and hopefully will promote a larger discussion about this.
Other Hollywood Figures Join the Protest
Matt Damon’s public protest came just two days after actor Mark Ruffalo spoke out at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards supporting Renee Nicole Goode. Wearing a similar pin, Ruffalo stated,
This is for Renee Nicole Goode, who was murdered.
He also sharply criticized then-President Donald Trump, calling him the worst human being, and expressed solidarity with Americans feeling fearful, saying,
This is for the people in the United States who are terrorized and scared today. I know I’m one of them. I love this country. And what I’m seeing here happening is not America.
The Broader Impact of Celebrity Activism Against ICE
The involvement of Matt Damon and other celebrities in protesting ICE’s actions brings heightened visibility to the issue and encourages public engagement. Their use of symbolic pins at prominent events draws attention to ongoing concerns about law enforcement violence and immigrant rights, potentially influencing national conversations and policy debates moving forward.
