Two Statements, One Moral Test

Minnesota CEOs spoke out—but not nearly clearly enough for what this moment demands

Sixty Minnesota CEOs finally broke their silence this weekend with a statement on chaos and killing in their home state.

It was important because business leaders have been silent for weeks. But after sitting with it for a day, what stands out is how little the statement says.

Two important statements came out this weekend. One from the CEOs. Another from the parents of Alex Pretti, the VA nurse murdered by ICE while trying to protect a woman. Both are reprinted in full below. The contrast between them tells us nearly everything we need to know.

The CEOs’ letter has two core problems.

First, it calls for “de-escalation”, a “both sides” construction as if peaceful protestors and neighbors trying to help people are equivalent to armed federal agents pulling people from cars on no apparent grounds, detaining them without due process, and in some cases killing them. This isn’t neutrality; it’s a refusal to name reality.

Second, the letter urges, local, state, and federal officials to “work together.” But federal agencies, particularly ICE, are not operating in any way recognizable to local law enforcement. This isn’t a breakdown in coordination. Division and fear, especially in a blue state, IS the strategy.

The CEO’s statement is not leadership, it’s insulation. It’s hopelessly inadequate to the moment in history that we’re in and avoids moral clarity when we need it most.

So let me ask a simple question of CEOs and Boards:

If Renee Good were your wife or daughter.…

If Alex Pretti your son or brother…

If any of the multiple people killed in ICE custody (32 in 2005 alone) were your friend…

If 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos — in his little floppy hat and Spiderman backpack, used by ICE as bait and shipped to Texas — were your grandchild…

Is THIS the statement you would put out?

For decades, we’ve graded business on a curve when it comes to basic responsibility to society (especially considering the vast increasing in power, profits, and consolidation over those years). We’ve accepted the idea that anything that risks sales, brand perception, or legal exposure is off-limits. We’ve truly lost sight of something fundamental.

At a minimum, Minnesota businesses should be calling for an end to ICE operations in their communities. And they should offer an unambiguous defense of democracy, human dignity, and the First, Second, and Fourth Amendments of the Constitution…rights which ICE is openly treading on.

The fact that these asks feel impossible tells us how far our institutions are from understanding this moment, or feeling their responsibilities as human beings, not just fiduciaries.

We like to say in business that disruption creates opportunity.

In this case, that’s true. Our institutional leaders have a historic opportunity to show what they actually stand for.

Will any of them take it?

Statement from Alex Pretti’s Parents

“We are heartbroken but also very angry.

“Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However his last thought and act was to protect a woman.

“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed.

“Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.”

Statement from Minnesota CEOs

Jan 25, 2026

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released this letter on behalf of more than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies today.

The full text of the letter appears below.

The business community in Minnesota prides itself in providing leadership and solving problems to ensure a strong and vibrant state. The recent challenges facing our state have created widespread disruption and tragic loss of life. For the past several weeks, representatives of Minnesota’s business community have been working every day behind the scenes with federal, state and local officials to advance real solutions. These efforts have included close communication with the Governor, the White House, the Vice President and local mayors. There are ways for us to come together to foster progress.

With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.

We have been working for generations to build a strong and vibrant state here in Minnesota and will do so in the months and years ahead with equal and even greater commitment. In this difficult moment for our community, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to achieve a swift and durable solution that enables families, businesses, our employees, and communities across Minnesota to resume our work to build a bright and prosperous future.

[fyi, the companies that signed: 3M, Allianz Life Insurance Company, Allina, Ameriprise Financial, Anchor Paper, Andersen Corporation, APi Group, Best Buy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Boston Scientific, Cargill, Carlson, CentraCare Health, C.H. Robinson, CHS, Children’s Minnesota, Delta Dental of Minnesota, Deluxe Corporation, Donaldson Company, Inc., ECMC Group, Ecolab, Essentia Health, Fairview Health Services, Faribault Mill, Gardner Builders, General Mills, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, Greater MSP, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, HealthPartners, Hormel, Kraus-Anderson Companies, Inc., Land O’Lakes, Liberty Diversified International, Marsden Holding, Mayo Clinic, Medica, Medtronic, Minnesota Business Partnership, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota United FC, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild, Mortenson, New Horizon Academy, nVent, Patterson Companies, Pentair, Piper Sandler, Prime Therapeutics, Red Wing Shoes, Ryan Companies US, Inc., Schwan’s Company, Securian Financial Group, Sleep Number, SPS Commerce, Target, Tennant Company, Thrivent, The Toro Company, UnitedHealth Group, U.S. Bancorp, Winnebago Industries, Xcel Energy.]

[Image, CNN, Ali Daniels via AP]