OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has privately cautioned employees that recent U.S. immigration enforcement actions have gone beyond acceptable limits, following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. The comments come amid rising corporate criticism and growing pressure on government agencies to de-escalate operations that have sparked national concern and widespread public debate.
Altman’s Message to Staff: “Enforcement Must Respect Limits”
In an internal message to OpenAI employees, Altman warned that the current approach by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and related agencies has exceeded what he considers appropriate in enforcing immigration laws. He stressed that there is an important distinction between targeting violent offenders and more aggressive tactics now evident in recent operations, particularly in Minnesota. Altman also reaffirmed his commitment to American democratic values, saying that speaking out against perceived overreach is part of loving the country.
The remarks follow two separate incidents in Minneapolis, where federal agents involved in immigration operations shot and killed protesters or bystanders within a short span of weeks—fueling criticism from both within and outside the tech sector.
Wider Corporate Backlash and Calls for De-escalation
Altman is not alone in his stance. More than 60 chief executives of major U.S. companies have publicly urged federal authorities to rethink the tactics being used, calling for a peaceful reduction in enforcement intensity after weeks of relative corporate silence. Tech and business leaders from various industries have echoed concerns about the trajectory of the crackdown on immigration and its impact on communities.
Apple CEO Tim Cook also issued a statement expressing his sadness over the recent deadly events and advocating for restraint, underscoring the need for actions that align with values of dignity and respect. Cook reportedly discussed the situation with U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting elevated dialogue between business leadership and government.
Employee Activism and Industry Dynamics
The internal reaction at OpenAI reflects a broader trend of employee activism across the tech industry. Hundreds of employees from companies including Google, Meta, and Salesforce signed a letter urging their executives to press the government to scale back federal immigration enforcement in U.S. cities and reconsider contractual ties with agencies linked to the shootings.
This corporate and workforce dissent underscores a shifting dynamic in which technology leaders balance engagement with public policy and ethical stances, especially as enforcement operations attract national scrutiny and raise questions about civil liberties and human rights.
