Many CEOs Say ICE Crackdown in Minneapolis 'Not Relevant' to Their Business

CNBC survey finds some leaders reluctant to speak out, citing concerns over Trump backlash and lack of business impact.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:23pm

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In the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal agents, a growing number of corporate leaders are speaking out and calling for a de-escalation of tensions. However, a new CNBC poll shows some CEOs and executives have kept quiet about the events, with one-third of respondents saying the situation is "not relevant to their business." The survey also found that some leaders are "worried about backlash from the Trump administration" if they comment publicly.

Why it matters

The response from business leaders is different than in 2020, when many corporate leaders and companies expressed outrage at the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Since then, business leaders have been criticized when their actions don't meet their rhetoric. The survey highlights the challenges companies face in weighing in on social and political issues, as they risk alienating employees, customers, and investors by taking a side.

The details

Of the 34 leaders across C-suite functions who took the CNBC flash survey, only one said their organization had spoken out publicly about the situation in Minneapolis. Among those whose firms have not made a statement, one respondent said they are "not opposed to ICE's conduct in Minnesota"; 9% responded that they are "still contemplating" speaking out; and 18% are "worried about backlash from the Trump administration." One-third of the leaders (33%) responded that it is "not relevant to their business."

  • The CNBC flash survey was sent to about 550 C-suite executives on January 26 and 27, 2026.

The players

Tim Cook

The CEO of Apple, who told Apple employees in a note that he was "heartbroken" by the situation in Minneapolis and called for an easing of tensions.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, who told employees that "what's happening with ICE is going too far" in an internal Slack message.

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What they’re saying

“This is a time for deescalation. I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they're from, and when we embrace our shared humanity.”

— Tim Cook, CEO (CNBC)

The takeaway

The survey highlights the challenges companies face in weighing in on social and political issues, as they risk alienating employees, customers, and investors by taking a side. Some leaders are reluctant to speak out, citing concerns over Trump backlash and lack of business impact, while others are calling for de-escalation of tensions.