Minnesota Killings: In Slack Note, Sam Altman Slams Federal Agents For 'Going Too Far', Backs Trump

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 16:38 IST

Altman’s comments were made in an internal Slack message to OpenAI staff following the fatal shooting of a protester in Minneapolis over the weekend.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with US President Donald Trump. (AFP file photo)

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has criticised the actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), telling employees that the agency has gone “too far" amid a sharp escalation in enforcement activity in Minnesota.

Altman’s comments were made in an internal Slack message to OpenAI staff following the fatal shooting of a protester in Minneapolis over the weekend. The incident, the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis this month, has drawn widespread criticism across the United States and beyond.

“What’s happening with ICE is going too far," Altman wrote. He said there was an important distinction between deporting violent criminals and the current enforcement actions. “There is a big difference between deporting violent criminals and what’s happening now, and we need to get the distinction right," he added.

Altman said that supporting the US also meant challenging government overreach. “I love the US and its values of democracy and freedom and will be supportive of the country however I can; OpenAI will too," he wrote. “But part of loving the country is the American duty to push back against overreach."

The message came as concern grows over federal enforcement actions in and around Minneapolis. More than 60 chief executives have signed a joint statement calling for de-escalation, after weeks of relative silence from corporate leaders.

Altman’s note, first reported by the New York Times’ DealBook newsletter, was well received by OpenAI employees.

While criticising ICE, Altman also struck a conciliatory tone towards the White House. He called US President Donald Trump as a “very strong leader" and said he hoped the president would help ease tensions. “I hope he will rise to this moment and unite the country," Altman wrote, adding that transparent investigations could help rebuild trust.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world Minnesota Killings: In Slack Note, Sam Altman Slams Federal Agents For 'Going Too Far', Backs Trump

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