Tech Workers Urge CEOs to Condemn ICE Following Alex Pretti’s Killing
In a bold move, over 450 tech professionals from leading companies are calling for action against ICE. They urge their CEOs to demand an end to the agency’s aggressive operations in U.S. cities. The open letter, organized by IceOut.Tech, highlights severe federal immigration tactics that have reportedly terrorized communities.
Protests Against ICE Operations
The petition comes in the wake of heightened tensions following two tragic incidents involving ICE agents. Federal agents shot and killed U.S. citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis about three weeks ago. Most recently, they shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse from the Minneapolis VA hospital. These events have sparked significant uproar from tech workers.
Effects of ICE Tactics
Minneapolis has become a focal point for federal immigration efforts. Many describe ICE’s actions in the city as resembling a military occupation. Community protests have seen confrontations with armed federal agents using:
- Pepper spray
- Tear gas
- Rubber bullets
- Sound cannons
The open letter emphasizes the power of the tech industry to influence change, recalling a previous instance when tech leaders successfully convinced President Trump to withdraw National Guard threats aimed at San Francisco.
Support from Tech Leaders
Some prominent figures in the tech sector have voiced their opposition to ICE’s actions. Notable comments include:
- Reid Hoffman: Called ICE’s operations “terrible for the people.”
- Vinod Khosla: Criticized current enforcement as “macho ICE vigilantes running amok.”
- Jeff Dean: Urged all individuals to denounce the escalating violence.
- James Dyett: Highlighted the tech industry’s silence regarding ICE while addressing other social issues.
Meredith Whittaker of Signal also condemned the actions, stating leaders should act on their beliefs regarding freedom and justice.
The Silence of Major Tech CEOs
Despite these vocal objections, many influential tech executives remain silent. Notable figures such as Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and Sundar Pichai have not publicly criticized the government’s hardline stance. Some, including OpenAI president Greg Brockman, have financial ties to Trump, complicating potential outcry.
Financial Ties to ICE
The open letter demands that tech CEOs sever company contracts with ICE. Many firms currently hold contracts with the agency:
- Palantir: Awarded a $30 million contract for an AI-driven surveillance platform.
- Clearview AI: Signed a contract to provide facial recognition technology.
- Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Oracle: Provide cloud infrastructure and IT services to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.
The growing discontent among tech workers signals a potential shift in how the tech industry addresses social justice issues. The coming days may reveal whether tech executives will respond to the urgent pleas of their employees.
