Hollywood
Matt Damon Protests ICE at ‘The Rip’ Premiere, Calls for Awareness
Actor and producer Matt Damon made a subtle but pointed political statement at the New York premiere of his new Netflix film The Rip, wearing a “BE GOOD” pin protesting recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Matt Damon, 55, appeared on the red carpet alongside longtime collaborator and co-star Ben Affleck on Tuesday, Jan. 13, wearing a pin that read “BE GOOD.” The pin references the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Pin Highlights ICE-Related Shootings
The “BE GOOD” pin was created by a grassroots coalition that includes the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and has been worn by several celebrities in recent weeks. A related pin reading “ICE OUT” has also appeared at major awards events, including the Golden Globe Awards.
Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot on Jan. 7 by ICE officer Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis. In a separate incident, Keith Porter was killed by an off-duty ICE agent in Southern California on New Year’s Eve. Both deaths have drawn national attention and renewed scrutiny of ICE enforcement practices.
“I think like millions of people around the country, we’re really concerned with what’s going on,” Matt Damon told USA TODAY at the premiere. “It’s about raising awareness about what’s happening in our cities and on our streets and hopefully will promote a larger discussion.”
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Matt Damon’s History of Advocacy
Damon has long been active in humanitarian and social causes beyond Hollywood. He is the co-founder of Water.org, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to clean water and sanitation worldwide. Both Matt Damon and Ben Affleck also serve on the entertainment council for Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization.
In addition to starring in The Rip, the duo produced the film through their production company Artists Equity, continuing their recent push to combine filmmaking with socially conscious business practices.
Celebrities Divided Over Red Carpet Activism
Matt Damon’s appearance follows similar gestures at the Golden Globes, where actors Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, Jean Smart, and Natasha Lyonne wore ICE protest pins. Ruffalo directly criticized President Donald Trump while referencing Good’s death, calling for accountability and reform.
Not all celebrities agreed with the approach. Comedian Bill Maher dismissed the need for visible protest at awards shows, arguing that public statements, rather than symbolic gestures, were more effective.
“It was a terrible thing that happened,” Maher said, “but I don’t need to wear a pin about it.”
A Quiet Statement With Loud Impact
While Matt Damon’s gesture was understated, it quickly drew attention online, reigniting debate about celebrity activism, immigration enforcement, and the role of public figures in political discourse. As tensions around ICE operations continue nationwide, Damon’s message underscores a growing willingness among Hollywood’s biggest names to speak out—sometimes without saying a word.
