Natalie Portman sharply criticized the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, labeling it as a profound moral failure. Speaking at the Sundance Film Festival, Portman condemned the federal government’s approach, emphasizing the cruelty involved in the current enforcement tactics amid increasing violence at the U.S. border.
Her remarks came amid reports that at least six people have died during immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, including the recent shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis on January 24.
Details Surrounding Fatal Minneapolis Shooting Raise Questions
Federal authorities described Alex Pretti as an armed threat following the shooting by Border Patrol officers. However, video footage showed him holding only a phone moments before agents, some masked, confronted him and opened fire after a physical encounter. The incident has sparked outrage and raised doubts about the justification provided by federal officials.
John Slattery, known for his role in Mad Men, questioned the secrecy of immigration enforcement tactics during an interview at Sundance. He expressed shock at agents wearing masks during operations, suggesting an awareness of the unethical nature of their actions.
“I still don’t understand why – So, ICE exists, but why do these guys wear masks? Is it such an odious job? Is it so embarrassing and so shameful that these supposed police – this police force, this border patrol – they wear masks to work?”
Slattery said.
Celebrity Voices Lead Outcry Over Immigration Violence
Following Pretti’s death, several prominent figures publicly condemned the administration’s enforcement practices. Actress Amy Poehler dedicated a segment of her podcast Good Hang to the Minneapolis community, calling attention to the tragic events while highlighting local solidarity efforts. She urged listeners to support mutual aid organizations helping residents affected by the crackdown.
“The intention of ‘Good Hang’ has always been to bring levity and joy and laughs in these tough times, and we’re going to keep doing that. But before we start this episode, I just want to send much love to the best people in the world, also known as Minnesotans. What we are all witnessing is terrifying and enraging and illegal. But we are also seeing neighbors helping neighbors. And if you want to help, there is a directory of local organizations and mutual aid groups that you can check out at standwithmininnesota.com. Minnesota, you’re in our hearts.” – Amy Poehler
Supermodel Bella Hadid issued a forceful demand for the abolition of ICE in an Instagram post, condemning the agency’s aggressive tactics and describing the situation as a “monstrosity.” She criticized the lack of accountability and morality within immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
“Abolish ICE. How much more can America take..There are so many changes that need to happen within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement & morals that the American administration needs to uphold. This is outrageous, dangerous, horror movie-like-behavior,” – Bella Hadid
“The actions carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are increasingly aggressive, illegal, and deeply disturbing,” – Bella Hadid
Actor Mark Ruffalo echoed these sentiments, describing the fatal shooting of Pretti as “cold-blooded murder” and equating ICE’s actions to those of an “occupying military gang.” He has publicly protested against ICE, wearing pins to highlight the agency’s role in these tragedies.
“Cold-blooded murder in the streets of the USA by an occupying military gang, creating havoc. We have fought wars in other countries for less than this,” – Mark Ruffalo
Glenn Close, addressing her Instagram followers, expressed outrage over the current administration’s treatment of immigrants and those affected by immigration enforcement. She characterized the situation as one marked by “cruelty, inhumanity, and arrogance.”
“I am outraged and sickened by what is happening under the Trump regime: the cruelty, inhumanity, and arrogance, the voracious corruption, the cowardice, the sickening hypocrisy, the blatant manipulation of facts, and now the cold-blooded murder of American citizens,” – Glenn Close
Jamie Lee Curtis also voiced her support for those opposing ICE’s operations in Minnesota, demanding justice for the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both of whom died recently at the hands of federal agents.
“Let the ICE STORM of RESISTANCE RING LOUDLY,” – Jamie Lee Curtis
“THESE WERE AMERICANS! SHOT BY OUR GOVERNMENT,” – Jamie Lee Curtis
At the same time, Cynthia Nixon called the shooting of Pretti a “cold-blooded execution” and accused Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem of spreading falsehoods about the incident.
“Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, has been spreading morally reprehensible, disgusting lies about the cold-blooded execution of the young man, Alex Pretti, who was gunned down in the streets of Minneapolis today,” – Cynthia Nixon
Official Investigations and Government Response Underway
The White House has confirmed the opening of three federal investigations into the Minneapolis shooting. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are all conducting inquiries or internal reviews to determine the circumstances around Pretti’s death.
These investigations follow a pattern of similar incidents in recent weeks, including the shooting of Renee Good, another U.S. citizen, by ICE officer Jonathan Ross. Government officials have maintained that Ross acted in self-defense, though public and celebrity criticism remains intense.
Impact of Growing Public Outrage and Calls for Reform
Natalie Portman immigration criticism reflects a broader wave of disapproval targeting the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Public figures, communities, and activists are raising urgent concerns about human rights violations and the use of excessive force. The increasing visibility of these incidents is galvanizing nationwide protests and demands for accountability.
This growing dissent highlights the polarized battle over immigration in the U.S. as enforcement agencies face mounting scrutiny while federal officials juggle legal and political pressures. The investigations underway may influence future policies, yet the emotional toll of these deaths continues to ripple through affected communities and the country at large.
VF caught up with John Slattery and Zoey Deutch (‘Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass’) at Sundance and asked about ICE:
“I look around at what’s happening, and I’m mortified,” said Slattery. “Amen,” added Deutch pic.twitter.com/VMcbTPJJt0
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) January 26, 2026
