Martha Stewart revealed over the weekend that her 14‑year‑old granddaughter urged her to speak up about the intensifying national backlash against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as public anger continues to grow over federal enforcement tactics and the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
In a post shared on Instagram, Stewart said her granddaughter had written to her about the unfolding crisis. The text message said: “I’m not sure it’s excusable to not be speaking up right now.”
In response, Stewart posted the message and wrote: “My granddaughter wrote this to me yesterday she is fourteen and sensitive to what is going on in our country as we all should be I am disheartened and sad each and every day that we cannot demonstrate our sympathy for the beleaguered, that we are told immigrants, which most of us are or descended from are unwelcome, that we cannot show our frustration in peaceful demonstrations and that we can be attacked and even killed by Federal troops. Things must and have to change quickly and peacefully.”
Newsweek reached out to Martha Stewart via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The exchange comes amid widespread condemnation of ICE operations following the death of Pretti, an American killed during a federal immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is under mounting pressure over the agency’s handling of the incident, with both Democrats and Republicans calling for investigations.
What To Know
Democratic lawmakers have renewed demands for the complete abolition of ICE, while more than 60 major companies have issued statements urging federal authorities to de-escalate enforcement operations in Minnesota.
Stewart’s post places her among a growing list of public figures speaking out. Natalie Portman recently called current federal immigration actions “absolutely horrific” and “the worst of humanity,” while Olivia Wilde said at the Sundance Film Festival that “people are being murdered” and stressed the need to delegitimize ICE.
Katy Perry used Instagram to urge her followers to contact their senators to oppose an additional $10 billion in ICE funding under consideration in Congress. Amanda Seyfried and Cynthia Nixon have also publicly condemned the agency’s actions in Minneapolis, while Marvel actor Simu Liu declared that immigration laws “can be enforced in a dignified way,” adding: “f*** ICE forever.”
What People Are Saying
Author Aurora James said on Instagram: “We love you for this Martha!! I know how many people would have probably preferred you not do this. But the fact that you did actually speaks to why so many of us love you so so much. And please tell Jude, she is smart, she is brave and she can move mountains.”
Chef Lauren May said on Instagram: “Oh, my heart. As the granddaughter of a grandmother who believes some very hurtful things, I can’t tell you how much this interaction has warmed my heart. We all love you, Martha. Clearly it’s with good reason.”
Fitness influencer Conor McKenzie wrote on Instagram: “Her generation gives me hope. Thanks for speaking out, Martha!”
What Happens Next
Stewart did not add further commentary beyond sharing her granddaughter’s message, but the post suggests rising pressure on prominent public figures to address the crisis as the fallout from Pretti’s death continues to expand nationwide.
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