Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a current member of Microsoft’s board of directors, has made a strong public appeal to leaders within Silicon Valley, calling for active opposition to policies implemented under the Trump administration. Hoffman’s remarks came through an opinion piece he authored for The San Francisco Standard, where he strongly criticized the technology sector’s general silence about recent federal immigration enforcement actions.
Central to Hoffman’s argument was a recent incident in Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents. According to his account, these agents killed two U.S. citizens and intimidated thousands more, catalyzing a wave of concern over the administration’s enforcement tactics. He emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, citing data showing that at least six individuals had died in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2026 alone, following more than 30 deaths in 2025. Hoffman portrayed these casualties as part of a broader narrative of escalating brutality during what he characterized as the administration’s second term.
Hoffman expressed deep disapproval of what he called “performative brutality,” suggesting that the American public broadly opposes such measures. He contended the nation’s democratic foundations face significant threat amid an authoritarian push, implying that resistance from key sectors, especially Silicon Valley leaders, is essential. In a direct statement posted on the social media platform X, Hoffman declared, "We in Silicon Valley can't bend the knee to Trump. We can't shrink away and hope the crisis fades.” His comments underscored the urgency he attributes to confronting and reversing these policy directions.
Adding weight to Hoffman’s call for action, notable technology leaders have begun publicly condemning the controversial federal measures. Former chief AI scientist at Meta, Yann LeCun, posted an emphatic message on X labeling the immigration officers involved as “M U R D E R E R S,” coupled with a graphic video of the shooting incident. Similarly, Jeff Dean, a longstanding figure in artificial intelligence at Google, shared the video condemning the actions as “absolutely shameful.”
The outcry stretched beyond Silicon Valley enterprises and technology professionals. Prominent NBA athletes such as Victor Wembanyama, Larry Nance Jr., and Steve Kerr also voiced their denunciations of the killings, proving the issue’s resonance across diverse public spheres.
In closing his editorial, Hoffman urged citizens, particularly those holding positions of influence and authority, to transition from passive hope to active participation against these policies. He stated that without concerted efforts and vocal opposition, the foundational ideals cherished in America could erode under rising authoritarian tendencies.
These developments arise amid a backdrop of political instability, with a potential government shutdown looming despite recently negotiated agreements in the U.S. Senate. Hoffman’s appeal reflects a broader anxiety about governance and civil liberties in the current political climate.
Key Points
- Reid Hoffman publicly criticizes the Trump administration’s immigration policies and death tolls in ICE custody during 2025 and 2026.
- Silicon Valley leaders have largely remained silent, prompting Hoffman to urge them not to surrender or ignore the escalating crisis.
- Prominent tech figures like Yann LeCun and Jeff Dean have expressed strong condemnation of immigration enforcement actions resulting in civilian deaths.
- Public figures outside the tech sector, including notable NBA athletes, also voiced concerns over the recent killings, indicating widespread unease.
Risks and Uncertainties
- The continuation of aggressive immigration enforcement practices leading to further deaths or community fear.
- Potential governmental disruptions, such as the looming government shutdown, which could impact policymaking and civil operations.
- Uncertainty over whether influential industry leaders will heed calls for outspoken opposition or remain silent.
- The broader societal impact of increasing authoritarian tendencies on American democratic norms and public trust.