Celebrities Protest ICE at Golden Globes Following Fatal Shooting

The Golden Globes ceremony on January 7, 2024, became a platform for celebrity activism following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. This tragic event has sparked widespread protests across the United States, demanding accountability for Good’s death.

During the ceremony, several prominent figures, including Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, Natasha Lyonne, Jean Smart, and Ariana Grande, donned pins that read “BE GOOD” and “ICE OUT.” Smart notably wore the pin while accepting the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical or Comedy TV Series. The campaign aims to bring attention to the ongoing issues surrounding ICE and the consequences of its enforcement actions.

The impetus for the “ICE OUT” and “BE GOOD” pins originated from a text exchange between Nelini Stamp, an organizer with Working Families Power, and Jess Morales Rocketto, the executive director of the Latino advocacy group Maremoto. “There is a longstanding tradition of people who create art taking a stand for justice in moments like these,” Stamp stated. The organizers have committed to maintaining this campaign throughout the awards season to ensure the names of victims like Good are not forgotten.

Protests erupted following Good’s death, with activists calling for substantial reform and accountability. The FBI is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Congressional representatives have also promised a vigorous response. In stark contrast, members of the Trump administration have defended the ICE officer’s actions, describing them as self-defense.

Vice President JD Vance labeled Good’s death as “a tragedy of her own making,” while former President Donald Trump characterized her actions as “disorderly,” claiming she resisted arrest and charged at the officer. Eyewitness accounts and video footage suggest a different narrative, leading to accusations of a “cover up” by the administration. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have called on ICE to cease its operations within the city.

The tragic events highlight a growing concern regarding ICE’s involvement in local communities. Just days before Good’s shooting, an off-duty ICE officer fatally shot Keith Porter, a 43-year-old man in Los Angeles, prompting further protests in that region as well.

As the campaign continues and investigations unfold, the conversation surrounding immigration enforcement and accountability remains at the forefront of public discourse, amplified by the voices of artists and activists alike.