Hollywood celebrities at the Sundance Film Festival denounced federal immigration enforcement after a Border Patrol agent fatally shot anti-ICE protester Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, prompting ongoing demonstrations and industry backlash.

Celebrity Condemnation at Film Festival

Prominent actors, including Olivia Wilde, Edward Norton, and Natalie Portman, wore “ICE Out” pins at festival events while making public statements against federal law enforcement actions. Wilde described the situation as “appalling” during her film premiere, stating that while the festival celebrates storytelling, “the world is hurting right now, and this country is hurting.” Norton characterized the federal response as “an illegal army being mounted against U.S. citizens” during interviews at The Hollywood Reporter studio.

Filmmaker Kogonada addressed his audience before a screening, referencing critic Roger Ebert’s belief that “cinema is an empathizing machine” and expressing hope that art could counter current events. Natalie Portman told Deadline that federal actions represented “the worst of the worst of humanity” while praising citizens who “show up for each other.”

Racially-Charged Assault at Festival

The protests occurred alongside a separate incident where an intruder assaulted Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost at a private industry party. The attacker allegedly made racist remarks before punching Frost, telling him that Trump would deport him. Festival security arrested the individual, and organizers issued statements prioritizing attendee safety. Frost confirmed the assault on social media, noting the perpetrator’s racist comments before fleeing the scene.

Broader Immigration Enforcement Context

The entertainment industry criticism reflects wider tensions over federal immigration policies and enforcement tactics. The fatal shooting in Minneapolis has intensified debates about the scope and methods of immigration enforcement operations. Festival attendees used their platform to highlight these concerns while continuing promotional activities for their films, demonstrating how current political events intersect with cultural institutions and public discourse.