Natalie Portman Denounces Trump Administration and ICE Over Fatal Shooting of Nurse
Oscar-winning actor Natalie Portman delivered a powerful and emotional critique of President Donald Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the wake of the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Speaking at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, Portman expressed deep distress over recent events, highlighting a week of tragedy that has gripped the nation.
Emotional Outcry at Sundance Premiere
Portman made her remarks on Saturday before the premiere of her film The Gallerist at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. I’m getting emotional because it’s really been — it’s such a horrible day. It’s been a horrible week, she stated, as reported by The Hill. She went on to condemn the current state of affairs in the United States, adding, What is happening in our country is just obscene.
In a direct attack on the Trump administration's immigration policies, Portman asserted, What Trump and Kristi Noem and ICE are doing to our citizens, and undocumented people, is outrageous and needs to end. To underscore her stance, she wore an ICE Out pin during the event, a visible symbol of her protest against the agency's actions.
Context of the Fatal Shootings
Portman's comments came hours after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. This incident follows another tragic event on January 7, when an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in Minneapolis, sparking widespread protests across the United States. These shootings have intensified debates over immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal agencies.
In a separate interview with Variety, Portman reiterated her call for an end to immigration raids, emphasizing the need for change. She highlighted the resilience of American communities, noting, But also, there’s a beautiful community that Americans are showing right now. They’re showing up for each other, protecting each other, and fighting for their freedom.
Bittersweet Celebration Amid National Pain
Reflecting on the premiere of her film, Portman described the moment as bittersweet. It’s a bittersweet moment to celebrate [our film 'The Gallerist' that] we’re so proud of on the backdrop of our nation in pain, she said, acknowledging the juxtaposition of artistic achievement with national turmoil. Her statements have resonated widely, drawing attention to the human cost of immigration policies and the ongoing protests against them.
As the controversy continues, Portman's vocal opposition adds to the growing chorus of criticism from public figures and activists calling for reform in immigration enforcement practices.
