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Social media calls for boycotting Chipotle Mexican Grill have spread widely across platforms, based on claims that the restaurant chain’s owner donated money to support an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer involved in a fatal shooting. However, these claims misrepresent the connection between billionaire investor Bill Ackman and the popular fast-casual restaurant chain.
The controversy stems from Ackman’s $10,000 donation to a GoFundMe campaign supporting Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer who fatally shot Renee Good during a confrontation in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. Multiple viral posts with thousands of interactions have declared, “Boycott Chipotle!!! the owner just gave Renee Good’s murderer $10,000 bucks!!!” and similar messages urging consumers to avoid the restaurant chain.
The shooting occurred when Ross fired at Good as she attempted to drive away from officers surrounding her vehicle. The Trump administration has maintained that Ross acted in self-defense, though video analysis from bystander footage shows Good’s car turning away from the officer at the time of the shooting. The incident sparked nationwide protests and ignited intense debate over law enforcement tactics and accountability.
While Ackman acknowledged making the donation in a January 11 post on X (formerly Twitter), he has no current connection to Chipotle. Ackman’s hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, did hold a significant 9.9 percent stake in Chipotle beginning in 2016, but completely divested from the company in November 2025 – more than two months before the controversial donation.
In his X post confirming the donation, Ackman described the situation as “a tragedy” involving “an officer doing his best to do his job, and a protester who likely did not intend to kill the officer but whose actions in a split second led to her death.” He also noted that he had intended to donate a similar amount to Good’s family, but claimed the fundraiser had closed before he could contribute.
The social media misinformation has prompted an official response from Chipotle. The company’s verified social media accounts have been actively responding to comments about the boycott, clarifying that “Bill Ackman is not affiliated with Chipotle” and has no current ownership stake or management role in the company.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is currently led by CEO Scott Boatwright, according to the company’s investor relations website, not Bill Ackman as suggested in the viral posts. The restaurant chain, which specializes in customizable burritos, bowls and tacos, operates more than 3,300 locations across the United States and internationally.
The incident highlights how misinformation can rapidly spread on social media platforms and potentially impact businesses unrelated to controversial political donations or statements. Consumer boycotts have become increasingly common in today’s polarized environment, with companies often caught in the crossfire of social and political disputes.
This is not the first instance of misinformation surrounding Good’s death. Fact-checking organizations have identified numerous false claims about the circumstances of the shooting and those involved, contributing to heightened tensions around an already contentious incident.
As of publication time, Chipotle had not responded to requests for additional comment regarding the impact of the boycott calls on their business operations or customer traffic.
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10 Comments
This is a complex issue with strong emotions on both sides. While the donation to the ICE officer is concerning, boycotting Chipotle may not be the best solution. We should focus on addressing the underlying issues around immigration enforcement and use of force.
I agree, a balanced approach is needed here. Knee-jerk reactions often make things worse. This deserves thoughtful discussion to find constructive ways forward.
The Chipotle connection seems tenuous. The owner’s personal donation doesn’t necessarily reflect the company’s policies. Boycotts should be carefully considered to ensure they target the right entities and achieve the intended impact.
Good point. Conflating a business with an individual’s actions can be counterproductive. We should be cautious about making broad assumptions and look at the full context.
The reports of the donation seem accurate, but the connection to Chipotle is questionable. Boycotts can have unintended consequences, so we should consider the broader implications before taking action.
Well said. Knee-jerk reactions often do more harm than good. A more thoughtful, nuanced approach is needed to address the root issues at play here.
This highlights the challenge of separating political views from corporate decisions. While the shooting is tragic, it’s unclear if Chipotle bears responsibility. Calls for a boycott may be an oversimplified response to a nuanced situation.
Agreed. Emotions can cloud our judgment on complex issues like this. Taking a step back to understand all perspectives is important before rushing to conclusions.
While the officer’s actions are concerning, it’s unclear if Chipotle as a company is complicit. Boycotts can be a powerful tool, but they should be used selectively to target the right entities and effect meaningful change.
Exactly. We have to be careful not to conflate individual and corporate responsibility. Maintaining perspective and seeking constructive solutions is crucial in situations like this.