Tech CEOs Condemn ICE Violence, Praise Trump at Summit
Recent events in Minneapolis involving Border Patrol agents have sparked significant concern among tech industry leaders. This week, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, publicly condemned the violence perpetrated by these agents.
Tech CEOs Respond to ICE Violence
On a segment aired by NBC News, Amodei emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging for the preservation of democratic values both at home and internationally. He stated that Anthropic holds no contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, in a leaked internal message, also condemned ICE’s actions, referring to them as excessive. Altman articulated the need to distinguish between deporting dangerous criminals and the actions currently seen across the nation.
Company Reactions
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, also expressed his heartache over the incidents in Minneapolis through a leaked email to staff. Tech workers from various companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are calling for their CEOs to demand that ICE cease operations in U.S. cities following the tragic deaths of civilians.
- Amodei and Altman have both taken steps to address the situation.
- Cook’s acknowledgment shows a collective concern within tech leadership.
- Employees are actively pushing for actions against ICE’s violence.
Calls for Accountability
Organizers from ICEout.tech, an anonymous group, have expressed their approval of the CEOs’ condemnation yet noted the silence from leaders of major tech companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Meta. They urged these CEOs to speak out against ICE’s actions and terminate existing contracts with the agency.
Mixed Messages on Leadership
Interestingly, while critical of ICE, the three CEOs also showed an inclination to praise former President Trump. Cook acknowledged having a beneficial conversation with Trump on relevant issues. Amodei commended Trump for potentially allowing Minnesota to conduct an independent inquiry into the recent killings. Altman expressed hope that Trump might unify the nation during this crisis.
Contrast to Previous Statements
This marks a notable shift for CEOs like Altman, who previously criticized Trump ahead of the 2016 election. At that time, he described Trump as dangerous and demagogic. Now, Altman and others appear more willing to praise his leadership, despite the controversial actions by ICE.
The Impact of Immigration Policies
Interestingly, the business climate under Trump’s administration has contributed to the substantial growth of companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, which have secured massive investments recently. OpenAI raised $40 billion in funding, while Anthropic brought in $19 billion.
The ongoing debates about the intersection of corporate responsibility, government policies, and employee advocacy remain critical in navigating these turbulent times. As tech leaders respond to ICE violence, their positions may influence both public perception and internal company dynamics.
Spokespeople from both Anthropic and OpenAI confirmed their companies do not have contracts with ICE but declined to provide further details. Apple representatives have also been approached for comment regarding the leaked communication from Cook.
