Apple CEO Tim Cook Calls for “Deescalation” After ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Apple CEO Tim Cook has sent an internal memo to employees, responding to recent ICE shootings in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Cook states that it’s “a time for deescalation” following two incidents when ICE agents shot and killed Minneapolis residents.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman obtained the internal memo sent to Apple employees this week. In it, Cook says that he is “heartbroken by the events in Minneapolis.” Most recently, 37-year-old intensive care nurse, Alex Pretti, who worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was fatally shot and killed by an ICE agent on Saturday. ”

“I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from, and when we embrace our shared humanity,” Cook says in the memo. “This is something Apple has always advocated for.”

The death of Pretti has spun local and wide pushback against ICE in the US and even in Canada. The incident this weekend followed another incident in Minneapolis where 37-year-old Renée Good was also shot and killed by a U.S. federal immigration agent on January 7th.

Cook has had a close relationship with US President Donald Trump, especially during his first year in the White House. Last year, the Apple CEO gifted Trump a 24-karat gold bar. Cook has also attended dinners at the White House and even attended a private screening of the documentary film Melania at the White House the same day Pretti was killed.

Cook notes that he had a “good conversation” with President Trump this week. However, he did not elaborate on the extent of what occured.

Below is the full memo from Cook to Apple employees:

Team,

I’m heartbroken by the events in Minneapolis, and my prayers and deepest sympathies are with the families, with the communities, and with everyone that’s been affected.

This is a time for deescalation. I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from, and when we embrace our shared humanity. This is something Apple has always advocated for. I had a good conversation with the president this week where I shared my views, and I appreciate his openness to engaging on issues that matter to us all.

I know this is very emotional and challenging for so many. I am proud of how deeply our teams care about the world beyond our walls. That empathy is one of Apple’s greatest strengths and it is something I believe we all cherish.

Thank you for all that you do.

Tim