Story perspectives

Salesforce CEO Faces Backlash Over ICE Joke at Event

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff faced backlash after joking about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Las Vegas event, asking international employees to stand and claiming ICE agents were present.
The remarks drew boos.
Employees expressed outrage in Slack channels, calling the remarks horrific and vile.
Slack's general manager Rob Seaman condemned the comments, saying they did not align with his values.
Benioff has not publicly addressed the controversy.

History

Historical Context

Under President Donald Trump, U.S. immigration enforcement intensified significantly after 2017, with ICE deportations reportedly increasing by 400%. This hardline approach sparked widespread protests and a cultural backlash against ICE, culminating in a growing movement advocating for corporate accountability and social responsibility. By 2025, public sentiment had shifted, with many Americans opposing ICE's aggressive tactics and calling for reform.

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Story summary

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff faced backlash after joking about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Las Vegas event, asking international employees to stand and claiming ICE agents were present.
The remarks drew boos.
Employees expressed outrage in Slack channels, calling the remarks horrific and vile.
Slack's general manager Rob Seaman condemned the comments, saying they did not align with his values.
Benioff has not publicly addressed the controversy.

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