Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s ICE Joke Sparks Employee Outrage

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s off-color remarks about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an employee event have ignited significant backlash among staff. The comments were made during Salesforce’s internal “Company Kickoff” event this week in Las Vegas.

Employee Reactions to Benioff’s Comments

Internal Slack messages reveal that many employees expressed anger and disappointment regarding Benioff’s jokes related to ICE. He joked about ICE agents surveilling employees’ travel, which resonated poorly, especially since many employees have expressed fears about traveling due to current immigration issues.

• “A joke about ICE surveilling employees’ travel, when there are literally employees afraid to travel for work due to current situation,” one employee stated.
• Another employee noted, “It’s hard to believe this company still has values when you make completely off-base jokes about ICE in your opening keynote.”
• A third remarked, “I’m deeply disappointed and uncomfortable that two jokes about ICE were made in the first few minutes…”

The sentiment among employees ranged from disappointment to discomfort, particularly given the context of their diverse workforce. Some felt that the comments overshadowed the positive messages expected at the event.

Context of Recent Company Changes

This incident comes on the heels of recent layoffs at Salesforce, as the company has adjusted its leadership structure amid high-profile departures. Earlier this month, Salesforce let go of several employees and appointed leaders to fill the void left by five prominent executives since December.

Benioff has faced criticism from staff for previous comments as well. After announcing job cuts that would affect 10% of the workforce, he made remarks that some considered tone-deaf. In that instance, he joked about layoffs impacting an executive’s birthday and indicated he was “thrilled” about the pandemic permitting remote work.

Salesforce had not responded to inquiries for comments regarding the recent incident involving Benioff’s ICE jokes. The company continues to navigate a challenging environment amidst workforce changes and employee dissatisfaction.