Ellen DeGeneres recently shared her thoughts on the unrest in Minneapolis, a city she once referred to as “America’s happiest city.”
Since the start of January, protests have surged following the deployment of over 2,000 federal agents by the Department of Homeland Security to enhance immigration enforcement in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. The situation has escalated, particularly after the shooting death of Renee Good on January 7.
“I want to express my deep sadness for what’s happening in Minneapolis and across the country, especially there right now,” DeGeneres said in a video she posted online.
“This is the city where I filmed my last stand-up special, and everyone was so welcoming,” she continued.
“They say it’s the happiest city in America, which seems to be true,” she added. “My heart goes out to everyone involved. I admire those who are protesting peacefully. I also feel for those who have been hurt in the process.”
The response to her post was mixed. Some people appreciated her comments, while others criticized her for wading into the conversation.
“Love always trumps hate!” one commenter shared.
Another stated, “Wow, even if we disagree politically, I can get behind this! Peace through unity.”
A local remarked, “Thank you. It’s tough here right now.” On the flip side, some were less supportive, with one saying, “Ellen has no idea what’s happening outside.”
“Perhaps you should encourage undocumented immigrants to cooperate with ICE so protests aren’t necessary,” another added.
Another disappointed user questioned, “Why don’t these people just stay home and let ICE do their job?”
One user bluntly expressed, “Do you really think anyone cares about your opinion right now?” This likely referenced DeGeneres’ move after Trump’s re-election in 2024.
After President Trump returned to office in November 2024, DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi left California for the English countryside. They were seen soon after in the Cotswolds, but it remains unclear exactly where in the UK they settled.
In August 2024, they sold their home in Montecito, California, which was confirmed by their real estate agent.
DeGeneres endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency, showing support for Taylor Swift’s advocacy on social media.
Since her show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” ended after 19 seasons in May 2022 due to allegations of a toxic workplace, DeGeneres has largely stepped back from the public eye.
In her special “For Your Approval,” she humorously addressed her life post-showbiz, mentioning her new hobby of gardening and even getting a chicken. She reflected, “If I had wrapped things up differently, people might have been surprised to discover I’m actually nice.”
DeGeneres wasn’t alone in voicing concerns about ICE. Bruce Springsteen, during a recent performance, urged ICE to “remove” Minneapolis and dedicated a song to Lenny Goode.
Similarly, actress Lynda Carter shared an anti-ICE comic featuring her character Wonder Woman, linking it to past activism.
Rosie O’Donnell also expressed her concern, questioning the militarization of U.S. law enforcement under presidential command and lamenting the disturbing outcomes she’s seen.
The ongoing situation in Minneapolis, marked by tensions stemming from federal immigration enforcement, continues to prompt a range of reactions across public discourse.
