Bill Ackman Donates to Families of Anti-ICE Protesters
Bill Ackman recently donated $10,000 to the families of anti-ICE protesters following the shooting of Alex Preti by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis. Preti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, was killed during a confrontation with federal agents while filming an ICE enforcement action.
Ackman, the billionaire founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, made the donation through GoFundMe, which has raised over $1.2 million for Preti’s family as of Monday afternoon.
After the incident, Ackman appeared to hold Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accountable, suggesting on social media that the governor incited protests against ICE enforcement. He expressed concerns that such actions might lead to tragic outcomes.
Earlier this month, Ackman also donated $10,000 to support Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer involved in the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good, which fueled backlash online. Many on social media called for a boycott of Chipotle, where Ackman’s hedge fund had previously invested.
In response to criticism, Chipotle clarified that Ackman is no longer affiliated with the company, as Pershing Square sold its stake last year. Ackman defended his donations, stating his belief in the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and that he had intended to support Good’s family, but the fundraiser was closed by the time he tried to donate.
Ackman noted that he had not publicly contributed to Preti’s family on social media as of Monday afternoon. He expressed frustration over how his donations have been portrayed, arguing they were not intended to make a political statement but were rooted in a commitment to assist those accused of crimes.
Ackman emphasized that a thorough investigation is essential to determine the legal responsibilities of those involved in these tragic events.
The newspaper has reached out to both Ackman and Preti’s family for further comments.
