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Ben & Jerry’s Founder Calls for ICE Abolition After Second Fatal Minneapolis Shooting
Ben Cohen, co-founder of ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s, has called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to be “defunded and disbanded” following two fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this month.
The outspoken entrepreneur’s comments came in response to the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse killed by Border Patrol agents on Saturday. According to witness accounts and video evidence, Pretti was attempting to assist a woman who had been knocked down by agents when he was sprayed with an irritant, pushed to the ground and beaten. Agents later discovered Pretti’s lawfully owned firearm before fatally shooting him.
This incident follows the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good, also 37, who was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in the same city.
“I was prepared to make a special ice cream today to memorialize and celebrate the life of Renee Good, but now that Alex’s murder makes it clear that the murder of Renee and the government’s lies were not a mistake but standard operating procedure, I just don’t have it within me,” Cohen said in a video posted to social media platform X.
Cohen’s statements reflect growing tensions between immigration enforcement authorities and communities across the United States. He characterized ICE as “a brazen, arrogant, masked militarized force” and warned that similar incidents could occur beyond Minneapolis if the agency’s approach to enforcement continues unchecked.
The ice cream entrepreneur’s criticism represents one of the most high-profile corporate voices to weigh in on the contentious issue of immigration enforcement tactics. Though Cohen retired from day-to-day operations at Ben & Jerry’s years ago, he remains influential as a co-founder of the Vermont-based company known for its social justice advocacy.
In his message, Cohen suggested returning to pre-2003 immigration enforcement structures, noting that “before 2001, ICE did not even exist.” He advocated for restoring the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which handled immigration issues as part of the Department of Justice before being reorganized following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“Immigration issues used to be handled by the INS, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which was part of the Department of Justice. And it was just,” Cohen said. “Let’s go back to that.”
Immigration enforcement has become increasingly divisive in American politics, with the Trump administration’s hardline stance drawing both support and criticism. Cohen directly referenced this political dimension, suggesting that Americans must “submit” to the Trump administration or risk being killed by federal agents for exercising their First Amendment rights.
“Submit or be murdered. Video them and be murdered. Protest and be murdered, or at least be placed on a list of domestic terrorists and investigated,” he said. “This is not freedom. This is not the right to free speech or the right to protest. This is not America.”
Cohen also invoked religious values in his criticism, questioning the consistency between Christian principles and immigration enforcement tactics. “They say this is a Christian nation. What did he mean when he said, ‘I was a stranger, and you welcomed me?’ ‘Love thy neighbor.’ ‘What you do to the least of these you do to me,'” Cohen said, quoting biblical passages.
The deaths in Minneapolis have sparked calls for investigations from community leaders and immigration advocates. Local officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have expressed concerns about the incidents, with Walz drawing controversial parallels to historical persecution.
As the debate over immigration enforcement tactics continues, Cohen’s statements highlight the growing intersection of business leaders, social activism, and politically charged issues in contemporary American discourse.
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9 Comments
As a supporter of the mining and energy industries, I’m not sure how to reconcile this political controversy with the need for effective immigration enforcement. These shootings are deeply concerning, but I worry that a wholesale dismantling of ICE could have unintended consequences.
I share your dilemma. It’s a complex issue without easy answers. Finding the right balance between security and civil liberties will be crucial.
The co-founder’s call to defund and disband ICE is a very strong stance. While I understand the outrage, I’m not sure that’s the right solution. Perhaps a focus on better training, oversight and accountability could address the core issues.
That’s a fair perspective. Abolishing the agency entirely may be too extreme, but significant reforms seem necessary to prevent further tragedies.
This is a sensitive and divisive topic. I encourage everyone to seek out objective information and analysis from reputable sources, rather than relying solely on partisan rhetoric or emotional reactions. An evidence-based, nuanced approach is needed to address these challenges.
This is a tragic situation. I hope there is a thorough investigation into the shootings to uncover the facts and ensure accountability. While ICE plays an important role, these incidents raise serious concerns about the agency’s practices and use of force.
I agree, the details are very troubling. Transparency and reform may be needed to restore public trust in ICE’s operations.
While the co-founder’s passion is understandable, I’m not convinced that completely abolishing ICE is the solution. Perhaps a thorough review of policies, training and oversight could help prevent future tragedies without compromising the agency’s core mission.
That’s a reasonable suggestion. Targeted reforms may be more constructive than a complete dismantling of the agency.