Veteran actor and comedian John Leguizamo has issued a stark directive to supporters of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, bluntly stating they are unwelcome at his performances and should avoid his cinematic work. The 65-year-old star took to Instagram on Wednesday to deliver a pointed video message, declaring his opposition to the agency amid ongoing controversy surrounding its enforcement actions.
Leguizamo's Uncompromising Stance
In the social media clip, Leguizamo fixed a stern gaze directly into the camera, his expression resolute as he delivered his unequivocal message. "If you follow ICE, unfollow me," he stated firmly, before expanding his prohibition beyond digital platforms. "Don't come to my shows and don't watch my movies," the performer added, making clear that his objection extends to both live entertainment and film consumption.
The Ice Age voice actor captioned his post with the hashtag "Abolish ice!" – a sentiment that has gained traction among progressive activists and celebrities. Within ten hours of posting, the video garnered nearly 300,000 likes and numerous supportive comments, including one from Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett who enthusiastically echoed the sentiment with his own endorsement.
Minnesota Shooting Sparks Outrage
Leguizamo's declaration comes in the wake of a particularly contentious incident involving federal agents in Minnesota. On January 24, 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed during an altercation with Department of Homeland Security personnel. The tragedy unfolded when Pretti apparently attempted to intervene after witnessing a woman being shoved to the ground by agents.
Initial claims from DHS and Border Patrol officials suggested Pretti had "brandished" a firearm before being shot. However, bystander footage appears to contradict this narrative, showing one agent removing Pretti's legally-carried handgun from his waistband moments before two other agents fired ten rounds into him.
Pretti's family have vehemently rejected the official account, describing their son as "a kindhearted soul" who was killed by "murdering and cowardly thugs." They maintain he was holding his phone in one hand while raising his empty other hand above his head in a protective gesture when he was pepper-sprayed and shot.
Celebrity Reactions Intensify
Leguizamo represents just one voice in a growing chorus of Hollywood figures expressing outrage over recent ICE operations. His video emerged shortly after actress Natalie Portman broke down in tears while discussing the agency's enforcement activities at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.
Portman, who wore an "ICE OUT" pin during the premiere of her film The Gallerist, described the current situation as "a horrible week" and condemned what she called "outrageous" actions by the Trump administration and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. "What is happening in our country is just unconscionable," she told reporters, visibly emotional on the red carpet.
Other notable figures have joined the criticism. Mandy Moore shared a New York Times article about the Minneapolis shooting on her Instagram stories, adding her own commentary: "We have eyeballs. We've seen the video. They executed someone else. I'm not sure how this ends. This is terrifying territory." Meanwhile, Ariana Grande reposted a tweet from NYC mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani calling for ICE to be abolished.
Political Context and Personal History
Leguizamo's latest statement aligns with his longstanding political activism. The performer has been a vocal supporter of liberal causes and a consistent critic of former President Donald Trump's administration, particularly its immigration enforcement policies. His Instagram account currently features numerous anti-ICE and anti-Trump administration reposts.
This isn't the first time Leguizamo has clashed with fellow entertainers over immigration issues. In August, he publicly criticised actor Dean Cain after Cain announced he had joined ICE. Cain has since defended the agency's conduct following Pretti's killing, claiming the nurse "certainly wasn't just being a peaceful protester" before his death.
The political backdrop to these celebrity statements remains charged. ICE has conducted thousands of arrests since Trump's return to the White House, sparking protests across multiple American cities. The agency's operations continue to generate intense public debate about immigration enforcement methods and their impact on communities.
Broader Implications
Leguizamo's decision to explicitly exclude ICE supporters from his audience represents a notable escalation in celebrity activism. By extending his prohibition beyond live performances to include film viewership, he underscores the depth of his opposition to the agency's current operations.
The incident involving Alex Pretti has become a flashpoint in this ongoing controversy. A US citizen born in Illinois with no criminal record beyond traffic violations, Pretti was an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital who had participated in protests following the January 7 killing of Renée Good by an immigration officer. His family noted he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed adventures with his recently deceased dog Joule.
As the debate continues, Leguizamo's stance highlights how entertainment figures are increasingly willing to take unambiguous positions on divisive political issues, potentially alienating portions of their fanbase while solidifying support among others who share their perspectives.
