Google Staffers Terrified After ICE Agents Attempt to Force Entry Into Office

The company's head of security admitted that an ICE agent tried to gain access to a Google office in Cambridge, Massachusetts last fall.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:47pm

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New reporting reveals that in the aftermath of the shooting of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti, it came to light that at least one federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent had tried to enter Google's office in Cambridge, Massachusetts last fall. The company's head of security said the agent arrived at reception without a warrant and was not granted entry, but the incident has left Google employees terrified about potential government raids and violence.

Why it matters

The excessive violence suffered by US citizens and non-citizens alike at the hands of ICE agents has put renewed urgency on calls to defund or abolish the agency. More than 800 tech workers have signed onto an open letter calling on their companies to cut ties with ICE, with at least 100 referencing Google or its parent company Alphabet.

The details

According to the Wired report, in response to internal concerns about what Google's senior leadership was doing to keep its employees safe, the company's head of security and risk operations said that an 'officer arrived at reception without notice,' attempting to gain entry. Ultimately, the agent was 'not granted entry because they did not have a warrant, and promptly left.' Google did not respond to Wired's request for comment.

  • In the fall of 2025, an ICE agent attempted to force entry into a Google office in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The players

Sundar Pichai

The CEO of Google.

Demis Hassabis

The CEO of DeepMind, a subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet.

Jeff Dean

The chief scientist at DeepMind, who has taken a vocal stand against the killing of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents.

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What they’re saying

“This is absolutely shameful. Agents of a federal agency unnecessarily escalating, and then executing a defenseless citizen whose offense appears to be using his cell phone camera. Every person regardless of political affiliation should be denouncing this.”

— Jeff Dean, Chief Scientist, DeepMind

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.