At the Golden Globes this past Sunday, a striking statement unfolded on the red carpet as several celebrities showcased anti-ICE pins in memory of Renee Good, a tragic victim who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis just that week. These pins, designed in stark black and white, bore powerful messages such as "BE GOOD" and "ICE OUT," effectively weaving a political narrative into an awards show that had previously maintained a more neutral stance.
Mark Ruffalo was among the stars wearing these significant symbols, with expectations that many others would join him in making their voices heard through fashion. Following the shooting incident on Wednesday, widespread protests erupted across the nation, demanding justice for Good's death alongside outrage for a separate incident in Portland where two individuals were injured by Border Patrol agents. These demonstrations have sometimes escalated into confrontations with law enforcement, particularly in Minneapolis, which has recently witnessed the largest immigration enforcement operations undertaken by ICE to date.
"It’s crucial for every sector of civil society to raise their voices, including our artists and entertainers, who reflect the fabric of our communities," emphasized Nelini Stamp from Working Families Power, one of the key figures behind the anti-ICE pin initiative.
In response to the outcry, members of Congress have pledged to take decisive action, while an FBI investigation is underway regarding Good's untimely death. Meanwhile, the Trump administration staunchly defends the actions of the ICE officer involved, asserting that the officer acted out of self-defense, believing that Good intended to hit him with her vehicle.
Interestingly, only a week prior to Good's death, another off-duty ICE agent fatally shot 43-year-old Keith Porter in Los Angeles, leading to a series of protests in the area demanding accountability for the officer involved.
The inspiration for the "ICE OUT" pins emerged from a late-night text conversation between Nelini Stamp and Jess Morales Rocketto, who serves as the executive director of Maremoto, a Latino advocacy organization. They recognized the immense potential of high-profile cultural events to shine a spotlight on pressing social issues. This marks the third consecutive year of activism at the Golden Globes for Morales Rocketto, who has previously mobilized Hollywood against the family separation policies enacted during the Trump administration. Stamp recalls the 1973 Oscars, where Sacheen Littlefeather famously declined Marlon Brando's award to protest the misrepresentation of Native Americans in American cinema.
Fueled by this shared vision, the duo reached out to various celebrities and influencers, who then spread the word to more prominent figures in their networks. One of the initial contacts included labor activist Ai-jen Poo, who made headlines at the 2018 Golden Globes by walking the red carpet with Meryl Streep to support the Time’s Up movement.
"There exists a rich tradition of artists taking a stand for justice during pivotal moments in history," said Stamp. "We are committed to continuing that legacy."
Allies supporting their cause have been actively participating in various glamorous events leading up to the Golden Globes, distributing these pins at parties and sharing them with friends and acquaintances attending the ceremony. "It’s very grassroots; they casually ask others to wear them, putting them in their bags first," Morales Rocketto shared.
The organizers have vowed to sustain their campaign throughout the awards season, ensuring that the names of Renee Good and others who have fallen victim to ICE violence remain at the forefront of public consciousness.
