Edward Norton slams ICE violence, says ‘We’re talking movies while illegal army mounts’

Edward Norton made a striking comment at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival underscoring how tense the broader national moment feels even at a film event. While discussing The Invite with castmates including Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen at The Hollywood Reporter’s studio in Park City, the veteran actor shifted from light conversation to a stark reflection on current events. “We are sitting here talking about movies while an illegal army is being mounted against U.S. citizens,” Norton said, highlighting how political violence and public safety concerns have eclipsed even casual film festival chatter.

The remark came amid protests and heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of anti-ICE protester Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal agents, events that have drawn widespread attention and condemnation. Several celebrities at Sundance, including Wilde and Natalie Portman, have incorporated political statements into their festival appearances, with symbolic gestures such as wearing “ICE Out” pins and public condemnations of the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Norton’s comment reflects a sense of dissonance many have expressed this awards season: the contrast between celebrating art and confronting serious national issues. He also referenced a more visceral framing of the current moment, saying the conversation these days has shifted to questions like, “What are we gonna do about mass Gestapo shooting American citizens?”, a forceful way of describing his view of federal enforcement actions and their impact on civilians.

The festival backdrop has been unusually charged, with other industry voices also condemning the violence and calling for accountability. Portman told Deadline that the current situation in the U.S. is “absolutely horrific,” especially when federal agencies are involved in fatal incidents against citizens. Other attendees have echoed a desire for the arts community to speak up on issues they see as affecting public safety and civil liberties.