John Stamos calls ICE operations 'cruel' after Minneapolis shooting

While John Stamos did not name members of the Trump administration or the victims of law enforcement, he ended his statement on an ominous note
John Stamos broke his silence on ICE operations as outrage grew over a Border Patrol agent’s fatal shooting in Minneapolis (Getty Images)
John Stamos broke his silence on ICE operations as outrage grew over a Border Patrol agent’s fatal shooting in Minneapolis (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Actor John Stamos, known for his long career in film and television and the famous show ‘Full House,’ on Monday, Jan 26, publicly criticized federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, calling actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ‘cruel’ in a handwritten note shared to his Instagram.

The remarks mark a rare foray into political commentary from the entertainer and reference growing national debate over ICE tactics following multiple fatal shootings in the Twin Cities.

John Stamos slams ICE actions

In a handwritten note posted to Stamos’ Instagram story on Monday, the actor condemned ICE as "cruel."

John Stamos' handwritten statement against ICE operations (Screengrab/ Instagram/John Stamos)
John Stamos' handwritten statement against ICE operations (Screengrab/Instagram/John Stamos)

"I usually stay out of politics," Stamos’ note began. "This doesn’t feel like that. What I’m seeing from ICE feels cruel."

The actor’s Instagram message came as backlash continues over federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis following two fatal incidents during recent operations.

In January, federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, and Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman, during separate enforcement interactions.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 24: People pay their respects during a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti after he was shot and killed earlier in the day on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents shot and killed Pretti amid a scuffle to arrest him. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
People pay their respects during a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti after he was shot and killed earlier in the day on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents shot and killed Pretti amid a scuffle to arrest him. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Stamos doubled down on his criticism of ICE, adding he trusts his "own eyes."

‘Something is broken,’ says John Stamos

The 62-year-old noted his frustration with what he described as hypocrisy in public reaction to the events in Minneapolis.

"When people are treated like threats instead of human beings, when fear is the tactic; something is broken," he argued.

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 06:  John Stamos attends Mickey's 90th Spectacular at The Shrine Auditoriu
John Stamos attends Mickey's 90th Spectacular at The Shrine Auditorium on October 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California (Getty Images)

While the actor did not explicitly name members of the Trump administration, nor those killed by law enforcement, he ended the statement on an ominous note.

"Lately it feels like the bad guys are winning," Stamos said.

Stamos also responded to conservatives’ common criticism of liberal actors to "stay in your lane."

"[That line] doesn’t apply when basic humanity is the lane," he said. "This is all of our lane!"

The 62-year-old went on to criticize "the hypocrisy," again failing to mention any names.

John Stamos is seen outside
John Stamos is seen outside 'Good Morning America' in New York City (Raymond Hall/GC Images)

"The speed of the cycle has erased shame," he added. "This doesn’t feel right, and staying quiet feels worse. Harm happens, outrage flashes, then we move on like nothing stuck. But it sticks.”

"Maybe the least we can do is not look away," he ended his note.

Stamos spoke up while tensions in Minneapolis kept rising. Local officials aren’t holding back; they’ve gone after federal agents and their tactics.

Demonstrators protest the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2026 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Demonstrators protest the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival (David Becker/Getty Images)

Mayor Jacob Frey straight-up told ICE to get out of the city. Governor Tim Walz points the finger at federal immigration operations, saying they’re the ones stirring up chaos.

Investigations into Good’s and Pretti’s deaths remain ongoing.

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