Story perspectives

Salesforce CEO Faces Backlash Over Controversial ICE Joke

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff sparked backlash by joking about Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a Las Vegas event.
Employees expressed shock in internal Slack messages, questioning the remarks' appropriateness amid travel fears.
One employee noted the irony of joking about ICE while welcoming international staff.
In response, employees created an "ICE OUT" emoji to protest.
The incident adds to previous controversies around Benioff’s remarks, including the National Guard and layoffs.

1 of 1

Story summary

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff sparked backlash by joking about Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a Las Vegas event.
Employees expressed shock in internal Slack messages, questioning the remarks' appropriateness amid travel fears.
One employee noted the irony of joking about ICE while welcoming international staff.
In response, employees created an "ICE OUT" emoji to protest.
The incident adds to previous controversies around Benioff’s remarks, including the National Guard and layoffs.