Lights, Camera, Activism: Sundance 2023 Takes on ICE and the Fight for Justice

Hollywood's Voice Against Injustice: Stars Unite at Sundance to Shine a Light on Immigration Crisis and Advocate for Change

At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood took a backseat to pressing political issues, as several prominent actors vocalized their concerns regarding the actions of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Set in the picturesque surroundings of Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, this annual festival has long been a platform for artistic expression and social activism, and this year it was no different. Amidst the buzz of film premieres and celebrity sightings, the dark specter of violence against immigrant communities loomed large, catalyzing some serious discussions among attendees.

The recent shootings of two individuals—Renee Good, killed by ICE agents and Alex Pretti, an anti-ICE protester, shot by Border Patrol—became focal points for outrage at the festival. Celebrities like Natalie Portman, Olivia Wilde, and Zoey Deutch took a stand by wearing “ICE Out” pins to express solidarity with those protesting against ICE’s aggressive tactics. Portman described the current situation in the country as "absolutely horrific," stating that the actions taken by the federal government and ICE represent "the worst of the worst of humanity." Wilde echoed those sentiments, labeling the status quo as unacceptable. Her film, "The Invite," which incited significant interest during the festival, served as a backdrop for her impassioned statements about the urgent need to fight against injustice. Wilde emphasized the juxtaposition of celebrating film storytelling with the harsh realities faced by communities across the nation.

Edward Norton, who stars in Wilde's film, further amplified these concerns in an interview, calling attention to the irony of discussing movie-making while "an illegal army is being mounted against U.S. citizens." This stark commentary highlights the moral conflict that many artists feel when their work exists in a world rife with societal issues. Such sentiments reflect Sundance's historical legacy of being a platform for political dialogue, a tradition that continued this year amidst heightened tensions. The festival has seen various forms of activism over the years, including pro-Palestine demonstrations and significant participation in the Women’s March from years past.

Tensions not only played out through dialogue but also turned physical, as illustrated by the assault on Florida Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost during a Sundance party. The incident not only involved physical violence but also showcased a troubling undercurrent of racism when the assailant threatened Frost with deportation. Frost, who identifies as Afro-Latino, later recounted his experience on social media, illustrating the growing volatility surrounding discussions of immigration in America. As if on cue, protests erupted across the country, responding to federal actions against immigrant communities, with calls for widespread participation in a national day of protest on January 30, 2026, indicating a mobilization of voices against these issues.

On the national stage, the death toll as a result of ICE actions remains alarming. The organization has reportedly killed eight individuals since the beginning of the year, raising concerns among activists and advocates for immigrant rights. Among those tragically lost were Luis Gustavo Núñez Cáceres, Geraldo Lunas Campos, and Víctor Manuel Díaz. From 2025 alone, federal agents shot at least 32 people while in ICE custody, underscoring an ongoing crisis that many in Hollywood are now acknowledging publicly. Yet, amidst these stark realities, the narrative remains complicated, with individuals like President Trump labeling ICE protesters as "paid agitators," which further fuels tension between the government and those advocating for humanitarian rights.

While the Sundance Film Festival showcased films and their creative storytellers, it also spurred a wave of artistic resonances responding to the recent tragedies. Artists and directors have expressed grief and outrage creatively, paying tribute to those lost like Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Their voices, amplified through art, offer society a powerful means to engage with complex issues regarding immigration and the rights of individuals. In many ways, these tributes also serve as reminders of the power that art can wield in driving conversations toward social change.

As the festival concluded, it became evident that the intersection of celebrity culture and social activism continues to be an essential element of modern entertainment. The ability of Hollywood's elite to use their platforms for advocacy might not erase the injustices faced by many, but it certainly fosters a dialogue that shines a light on these issues. With more artists joining the fight, the potential for transformative change grows, illuminating paths toward understanding and action that extend beyond the confines of the film industry. As audiences reflect on the films and discussions from Sundance, they are also prompted to consider their roles within the larger narrative of humanity, challenging them to engage with the pressing ideas that transform their views of celebrity, politics, and the world itself.