Summary (tl;dr)

Ellen DeGeneres is trending after publicly voicing support for anti-Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) protestors in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Good.

Essential Background

In early January 2026, protests erupted in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer on January 7. These protests are part of ongoing demonstrations against increased federal immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. Comedian and former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres previously wrapped up "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2022 amidst allegations of a toxic workplace culture. She and her wife, Portia de Rossi, relocated to rural England in 2024 after the re-election of Donald Trump as US President. DeGeneres had filmed her 2024 Netflix special, "Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval," in Minneapolis, referring to it as "the happiest city in America."

The Full Story

Ellen DeGeneres has recently garnered significant attention for an Instagram video posted on January 18, 2026, where she expressed her sadness and support for peaceful protestors in Minneapolis. Her comments specifically address the unrest in the city following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month. DeGeneres recalled her positive experience filming her last stand-up special in Minneapolis, calling it the "happiest city in America." This public statement, made from her current home in the United Kingdom, has sparked a range of reactions, with some fans applauding her stance while others, including political commentator Megyn Kelly, have criticized her for weighing in on U.S. domestic issues after relocating abroad, and have brought up past accusations regarding her conduct.

Why It Matters

Ellen DeGeneres's public commentary on the Minneapolis protests highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and social activism, drawing attention to the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and police accountability. Her remarks have reignited discussions about the role of public figures in political discourse, particularly when they reside outside the country where the events are unfolding. The mixed reactions to her statement also reflect broader societal divisions and the scrutiny celebrities face when engaging with sensitive social and political issues, especially given DeGeneres's past controversies related to her workplace environment.

Geographic Location

• Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States (location of anti-Immigration Customs Enforcement protests and fatal shooting of Renee Good)
• United Kingdom (Ellen DeGeneres's current residence from which she made the statement)