Wednesday, February 18, 2026-Tensions have surfaced inside Salesforce after CEO Marc Benioff made jokes referencing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the company’s annual kickoff event.
The remarks, which included a comment suggesting ICE agents were present after asking international employees to stand, quickly sparked backlash among staff. Employees described the jokes as insensitive and poorly timed, particularly given the heightened national debate surrounding immigration enforcement.
In response, cofounder and CTO Parker Harris addressed employees internally, stating he was “not OK” with the comments and characterizing them as “a very bad joke.” He also reminded staff about company policies regarding internal communications, as recordings and discussions from the event began circulating. Leadership acknowledged the frustration felt across teams and indicated the concerns were being taken seriously.
The controversy has prompted broader conversations within the company about workplace culture, leadership accountability, and the responsibilities of executives when addressing sensitive political topics. Employees have circulated open letters and internal messages urging more thoughtful communication from leadership. The incident underscores the growing scrutiny tech leaders face as corporate culture and public policy increasingly intersect in high-profile ways.
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