Actor and comedian John Leguizamo has taken a firm public stand against supporters of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), telling anyone who backs the agency to unfollow him, skip his shows and avoid his movies.
In a short video posted to Instagram on Wednesday, January 28, Leguizamo — an Emmy winner and outspoken critic of federal immigration enforcement — issued the stark message amid growing unrest following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.
“If you follow ICE, unfollow me,” he said in the clip. “Don’t come to my shows and don’t watch my movies.” In the post’s caption, Leguizamo added the phrase “Abolish ICE!”, underscoring his long-held criticism of the agency.
Context: Minneapolis Shootings Spark Outrage
Leguizamo’s message comes amid intense national debate over the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who was fatally shot in Minneapolis on January 24 by federal immigration agents during an enforcement operation. Pretti’s death followed the January 7 killing of Renee Good, a 37-year-old poet and mother, also at the hands of federal agents, escalating protests and political pressure.
Videos of the incidents have circulated widely online, and some footage appears to contradict official accounts of the shootings. Protests have spread to cities across the United States, with demonstrators demanding accountability and reforms to immigration enforcement policy.
In response to the backlash, federal authorities have adjusted operations in Minneapolis — including reassigning or placing involved agents on administrative leave — and national political figures are publicly debating the incidents.
Leguizamo’s Longstanding Critique of ICE and Trump Policies
Leguizamo has not been shy about his stance on immigration enforcement or the Trump administration’s approach to border security. In his latest video, his message was clear: he wants no association with anyone who supports ICE, an agency he views as emblematic of federal policies that he believes harm immigrant communities.
His Instagram statement gained traction quickly online, with thousands of comments and widespread sharing, reflecting a broader cultural conversation about ICE’s role and public perception of federal immigration enforcement.
This is not Leguizamo’s first public critique of ICE. In August 2025, he condemned actor Dean Cain — best known for playing Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman — after Cain revealed he had taken a position with ICE and encouraged others to join the agency by highlighting its financial incentives. At the time, Leguizamo called those joining ICE “losers” and criticized the agency’s mission.
Wider Cultural Response to the Minneapolis Incidents
Leguizamo’s remarks reflect a broader trend in the entertainment and public spheres. Many celebrities and public figures have weighed in on the Minneapolis shootings and on ICE’s role:
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Musicians including Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry and Billie Eilish have publicly condemned the shootings and called for political action opposing ICE and federal immigration funding.
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Sports figures such as Victor Wembanyama and NBA players have called the killings “horrifying,” criticizing the use of force and expressing solidarity with immigrant communities.
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Comedian John Mulaney postponed shows in Minneapolis, saying the situation was too unsafe in the wake of federal operations and protests.
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Other entertainers, like Jersey Shore star Vinny Guadagnino, faced backlash for defending ICE actions, showing how polarizing the issue has become.
These responses illustrate how deeply the events in Minnesota have resonated across industries, drawing attention not only to federal immigration policy but also to how artists and public figures engage with political issues.
Political and Social Fallout
The Minneapolis shootings have strained political alliances and stirred controversy within both major U.S. parties. Some Republican figures expressed concern about federal enforcement tactics, while others defended the agents involved. The Trump administration has indicated shifts in strategy, including tighter targeting and reduced street operations in Minneapolis, as it seeks to manage the political and public relations fallout.
Meanwhile, protests continue as activists demand policy changes and accountability. The 2026 Anti-ICE Protests, which began in Minneapolis and spread to other major cities nationwide, have highlighted growing resistance to federal immigration enforcement tactics and spurred calls for reform or abolition of ICE.
