Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff made ICE jokes. Some staff aren't happy.

February 10, 2026 - 23:32

Internal tensions are rising at Salesforce following comments made by CEO Marc Benioff regarding the company's controversial contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). During a recent all-hands meeting, Benioff reportedly made light of the long-standing issue, which has been a point of severe internal contention for years.

The remarks, described by attendees as dismissive jokes, sparked immediate outrage among a segment of the workforce. Employees quickly took to internal Slack channels to voice their anger and profound disappointment, arguing that the leadership's tone trivializes serious ethical concerns. Many staff members have consistently called for the termination of the ICE contract, citing the agency's policies and practices that they believe conflict with Salesforce's publicly stated values of equality and justice.

This incident highlights the ongoing struggle within the tech giant between its business pursuits and its professed commitment to social responsibility. The employee backlash underscores a deepening rift, with workers feeling their moral objections are not being heard or respected at the highest levels of the company. The situation remains a focal point for internal debate about corporate accountability and the alignment of actions with core values.