Clothing Line Founder Speaks Out Against ICE, Faces Backlash

Rachelle Hruska's brand Lingua Franca has become politically active, leading to a store dropping the line but also raising over $2 million for various causes.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rachelle Hruska, the founder of clothing brand Lingua Franca, never expected her brand to become political. However, after the 2016 election of President Trump, Hruska began using the brand to raise awareness and funds for various causes, including the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and PBS. This political stance has led to some backlash, including a store dropping the brand after Lingua Franca released anti-ICE sweaters. But Hruska says the backlash is worth it to use her platform to make a positive impact.

Why it matters

Hruska's story highlights the growing trend of brands taking political stances, which can lead to both support and backlash from consumers. It also raises questions about the role of businesses in social and political issues, and whether companies should remain neutral or use their platforms to drive change.

The details

After the 2016 election, Hruska began using Lingua Franca to raise funds and awareness for various causes, including the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and PBS. This included releasing sweaters with political slogans like "I miss Barack" and "melt ICE." The brand has raised nearly $2 million for these organizations. However, this political stance has also led to some stores dropping the brand, with one citing Hruska's "political views" as the reason.

  • In 2016, Lingua Franca officially launched its clothing line with Net-a-Porter.
  • After Trump's election in 2016, Hruska began using the brand to raise funds and awareness for causes like the ACLU.
  • In 2022, Lingua Franca released sweaters with anti-ICE slogans following the killing of Renée Good in Minneapolis.

The players

Rachelle Hruska

The founder of clothing brand Lingua Franca, who has used the brand to become politically active and raise funds for various causes.

Lingua Franca

A clothing brand founded by Rachelle Hruska that has become politically active, raising nearly $2 million for organizations like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and PBS.

Renée Good

A person whose killing in Minneapolis prompted Lingua Franca to release anti-ICE sweaters.

Minnesota's Immigrant Rights Action Committee

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

Tom Hanks

A celebrity who talked about Lingua Franca on TV, helping to boost the brand's visibility.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (dnyuz.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 (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

Lingua Franca plans to continue using its platform to raise funds and awareness for various causes, despite the backlash from some stores and consumers.

The takeaway

Rachelle Hruska's story highlights the growing trend of brands taking political stances, which can lead to both support and criticism. While some businesses may prefer to remain neutral, Hruska has chosen to use Lingua Franca to drive positive change, even if it means facing backlash from those who disagree with her views.