Clothing Brand Founder Speaks Out Against ICE, Faces Backlash

Rachelle Hruska, founder of Lingua Franca, released anti-ICE sweaters and lost a retail partnership, but says the backlash is worth it.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:15am

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Rachelle Hruska, the founder of clothing brand Lingua Franca, released an anti-ICE sweater line after ICE raids in Minneapolis and the killing of Renée Good. This led to a store dropping Lingua Franca, but Hruska says the backlash is worth it to use her platform to raise money and start conversations about important social issues.

Why it matters

Hruska's story highlights the risks and challenges brands and business leaders face when taking political stances, especially on divisive issues like immigration enforcement. While some praise Lingua Franca's activism, others have accused the brand of being "woke" or "performative." Hruska's willingness to weather the backlash sets an example for other companies considering using their platforms for social change.

The details

After the 2016 election of President Trump, Hruska began using Lingua Franca to raise money for causes like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. When ICE raids happened in Minneapolis and Renée Good was killed, Hruska released "melt ICE" and "I like my ICE crushed" sweaters, donating a portion of proceeds to the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee. Less than a week later, a store dropped Lingua Franca, citing Hruska's political views. Hruska says she's faced backlash before, including being called "woke" and accused of "making money off a tragedy," but she's undeterred, citing brands like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry's as her models for using business as a force for good.

  • In 2016, Lingua Franca officially launched its clothing line with Net-a-Porter.
  • After Trump's election in 2016, Hruska began using Lingua Franca to raise money for causes like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood.
  • Following ICE raids in Minneapolis and the killing of Renée Good in 2026, Hruska released anti-ICE sweaters.

The players

Rachelle Hruska

The founder of clothing brand Lingua Franca, who has used the brand to raise money and awareness for various social and political causes.

Renée Good

An individual killed during ICE raids in Minneapolis, which prompted Hruska to release anti-ICE sweaters.

Lingua Franca

A clothing brand founded by Rachelle Hruska that has taken political stances and raised money for causes like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood.

Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee

An organization that received a portion of proceeds from Lingua Franca's anti-ICE sweater sales.

Net-a-Porter

The retailer that launched Lingua Franca's clothing line in 2016.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to be a political brand — we have a whole line of ready-to-wear clothes and collaborated with everything from "Wicked" to the Westminster Dog Show. I would love to just design beautiful clothes, but I can't not say anything.”

— Rachelle Hruska, Founder, Lingua Franca (businessinsider.com)

“I'm going to continue doing what I've been doing for 10 years, and some people will celebrate it, some won't. That's OK, because I can sleep at night. I have worn my heart on my sleeve — on my chest, literally.”

— Rachelle Hruska, Founder, Lingua Franca (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

Hruska says she plans to continue using Lingua Franca's platform to raise money and awareness for causes she cares about, despite the backlash. She is undeterred by the store that dropped her brand, saying it's "just not worth it" to engage with those who don't want to be associated with her political views.

The takeaway

Rachelle Hruska's story demonstrates the risks and rewards of using a business platform to advocate for social and political causes. While Lingua Franca has faced backlash, Hruska remains committed to leveraging her brand to drive positive change, setting an example for other business leaders who want to use their platforms for good.