DeepMind Employees Demand Safety Plans From ICE After Shooting

Google's AI lab workers request details on protecting staff from federal agents after fatal Minneapolis incident.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Employees at Google's DeepMind artificial intelligence lab have reportedly demanded that management detail plans on how to keep them 'physically safe' from ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) after the recent fatal shooting of Alexi Pretti in Minneapolis. The request was made on an internal message board, citing concerns over the escalating tactics of federal agencies and the need for safety measures at the office and during commutes.

Why it matters

The DeepMind employees' request highlights growing fears among tech workers about potential clashes with federal immigration authorities, especially in the wake of high-profile incidents like the Pretti shooting. It also reflects broader tensions in the industry over the role of technology in immigration enforcement.

The details

An unnamed DeepMind employee posted the request on an internal message board, asking what plans and policies are in place to ensure worker safety at the office and during commutes. The post referenced a separate incident where a federal agent allegedly attempted to enter Google's office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Google's security chief confirmed the incident, stating the officer was 'not granted entry because they did not have a warrant and promptly left.'

  • On January 24, Alexi Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis.
  • The DeepMind employee made the request on an internal message board on Monday.

The players

DeepMind

An artificial intelligence research lab that is a subsidiary of Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc.

Alexi Pretti

A person who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Google

The parent company of DeepMind and a major tech conglomerate.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal law enforcement agency.

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What they’re saying

“What is GDM doing to keep us physically safe from ICE? The events of the past week have shown that immigration status, citizenship, or even the law is not a deterrent against detention, violence, or even death from federal operatives.”

— Unnamed DeepMind employee

“What kinds of plans and policies are in place to ensure our safety at the office? Coming to and from work? As we have seen, government agency tactics can change and escalate quite rapidly.”

— Unnamed DeepMind employee

“The events of the past week have shown that immigration status, citizenship, or even the law is not a deterrent against detention, violence, or even death from federal operatives.”

— Unnamed DeepMind employee

“What's happening with ICE is going too far. There is a big difference between deporting violent criminals and what's happening now, and we need to get the distinction right.”

— Sam Altman, OpenAI honcho

“The shooting of Alexi Pretti is absolutely shameful.”

— Jeff Dean, DeepMind chief scientist

What’s next

The judge in the Pretti case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the federal agents involved to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident reflects the growing tensions between the tech industry and federal immigration enforcement, as employees demand stronger protections and safeguards against potential clashes with government agents. It highlights the need for clearer policies and de-escalation measures to ensure the safety of tech workers.