Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has become a focal point in the national conversation after confirming a $10,000 donation to an online fundraiser supporting a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent involved in a controversial and fatal law‑enforcement encounter in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ackman acknowledged that his contribution, listed under the name “William Ackman,” went to a GoFundMe campaign backing ICE agent Jonathan Ross—the federal officer at the center of intense scrutiny and debate following the deadly incident last week. Ackman has publicly explained that his decision stemmed from his strong belief in the legal principle that individuals are “innocent until proven guilty,” emphasizing that he intended the donation to support due process rather than to make a political statement.
The fundraiser for Ross was created soon after the shooting and quickly gained traction online, amassing hundreds of thousands of dollars from supporters who argue that the agent acted appropriately under dangerous circumstances. According to GoFundMe totals and related reports, the campaign has raised significant sums, with Ackman emerging as one of the largest donors. Ross’s page describes him as justified in his actions and seeks to help him financially amid the fallout—though questions remain about the platform’s policy on hosting fundraisers linked to violent incidents, especially when the beneficiary is not formally charged with a crime. GoFundMe’s Trust and Safety team has said it is reviewing such fundraisers to ensure they comply with its terms of service.
Ackman also said he had wanted to support the separate GoFundMe for the family of the victim, Renee Nicole Good, but that the page had already closed after raising more than $1.5 million, far exceeding its original goal. Good, a 37‑year‑old mother of three, was killed during the incident on January 7, 2026, when Ross fired at her while she was in her vehicle. Federal officials, including senior Homeland Security leaders, have defended the agent’s conduct, asserting that Good attempted to strike the officers with her vehicle during the enforcement action—claims that have been disputed and debated publicly.
The killing of Good has provoked fierce reactions across different segments of American society. Supporters of Ross and ICE law enforcement hail his actions as justified and necessary under perceived threat, while critics, including local officials and community members, have condemned the use of deadly force and called for accountability and transparency. The incident has ignited protests in several cities, with activists and citizens voicing outrage at federal enforcement tactics and the circumstances around Good’s death. Minnesota leaders have also voiced concerns about federal involvement and called for independent investigations into the shooting.
Public discourse around the situation has been further complicated by the myriad online campaigns and narratives surrounding the event. In addition to the GoFundMe for Ross, alternate fundraisers on other crowdfunding platforms have emerged, some of which have drawn controversy for including inflammatory language or content unrelated to the central issue. Critics argue that such fundraising campaigns can promote divisive rhetoric, while supporters maintain they are expressions of solidarity. Meanwhile, local officials and civil‑rights advocates continue to push for a transparent and thorough investigation by authorities.
Ackman’s involvement has amplified national attention on the case, highlighting broader debates in the United States over law enforcement practices, immigration policy, and the principle of fairness in public discourse. His statement describing the situation as “tragic” and urging constructive dialogue about law enforcement, public safety, and accountability reflects the complexity and polarization surrounding the incident. While some praise his stance on due process, others criticize the optics of supporting a law‑enforcement officer involved in a contentious fatal shooting. As investigations continue, the public and political response underscores deep divides in how such events are understood and addressed in American society.
