salesforce Workforce Calls on CEO to End Collaboration with ICE Over ethical Issues

over 1,400 Salesforce employees have collectively signed a letter urging CEO Marc Benioff to instantly stop any current or future partnerships with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This unified stance highlights growing internal unease about the company’s role in supporting government operations that many find morally troubling.

Concerns Surrounding AI Tools for ICE Recruitment Efforts

The letter voices deep worries about reports indicating Salesforce proposed artificial intelligence solutions designed to expedite the hiring of 10,000 new ICE agents and improve tip-line screening processes. Employees demand an immediate cessation of all projects or proposals linked to ICE’s recruitment and enforcement activities.

Signatories also call for full openness from leadership regarding the scope of services provided to ICE, stressing that without clear data, staff cannot make informed ethical judgments. They further request a public condemnation of covert law enforcement tactics deployed in American cities.

Recent Events Amplify Employee Activism

This employee initiative follows tragic incidents earlier this year when two U.S.citizens where fatally shot by ICE agents in minnesota, igniting widespread criticism over agency practices. The letter underscores fears that Salesforce’s technology may unintentionally enable expanded operational capabilities for such agencies.

Tensions Escalate After CEO Remarks on Surveillance

During a recent company event in Las Vegas, Benioff made light remarks referencing ICE monitoring employees’ domestic travel within the United States. These comments sparked backlash among staff who expressed discomfort through internal channels, revealing strained relations between management and workers over this sensitive topic.

A Wider Movement Within Tech Giants

This push at Salesforce reflects broader trends across Silicon Valley; just last week nearly 900 Google employees petitioned their leadership to withdraw contracts with both ICE and U.S. Customs and border Protection (CBP). Influential tech leaders like Apple’s Tim Cook have publicly criticized aggressive law enforcement actions during protests as well.

Financial pressures Compound Corporate Dilemmas

The employee demands come amid challenging financial conditions for Salesforce: its stock has dropped roughly 27% so far in 2026 due partly to investor concerns about AI’s impact on software growth trajectories. Despite these challenges, the company forecasts modest revenue growth between 9% and 10% this fiscal year while maintaining government collaborations.

Discounted Government Contracts Highlight Industry Practices

This year Salesforce offered reduced pricing on Slack licenses to various federal agencies as part of wider efforts by major software providers-including Adobe, Microsoft, and servicenow-to extend cost savings across government clients.

Navigating Complex Leadership Positions on Political Engagements

The letter points out contradictions in Benioff’s past statements: opposing National Guard deployment in San Francisco while previously supporting President Trump’s proposal involving troop presence there-highlighting perceived inconsistencies regarding his stance toward governmental authority use.

Additionally, Benioff has participated directly with political figures involved in AI policy discussions at White House events alongside other tech executives during late 2025-actions scrutinized by employees demanding greater ethical accountability from corporate leaders.

“Business is frequently enough described as one of society’s most powerful platforms for change,” states part of the employee appeal. “It is crucial now that this platform be used not only for innovation but also to safeguard constitutional rights and community safety.”

• Main issue: Potential facilitation by Salesforce AI tools enabling expanded recruitment & operational scaling by ICE;
• Employee risks: Damage to reputation or social backlash due to association with controversial government activities;
• Sought actions: Immediate suspension of all immigration enforcement-related projects until full disclosure is provided;
• Larger industry trend: Increasing calls among tech workers nationwide urging companies like Google & Apple toward ethical divestment from immigration authorities;
• CFO challenges:
• Civic obligation reminder:

The Path Forward: Anticipating Executive Response

The organizing group plans delivery of their detailed letter before week’s end as pressure mounts internally at one of America’s largest cloud computing firms. How Marc Benioff responds could set an crucial precedent not only within his own organization but across an industry increasingly grappling with balancing technological innovation against ethical responsibilities tied closely to human rights worldwide.