Elijah Wood appears at Sundance Anti-ICE Rally, calling the situation ‘Deeply Disturbing’
Elijah Wood joined anti-ICE protests at the Sundance Film Festival this week, adding his voice to a growing wave of artists using the event as a platform for political expression. The actor was seen on Main Street in Park City as demonstrators gathered to oppose ongoing ICE raids, turning the normally celebratory atmosphere of the festival into a moment of public protest.
The demonstration, called Sundancers Melt Ice, took place outside 577 Main Street and drew around one hundred people. Though brief, the sunset rally was striking, with chants focused on compassion and accountability echoing through the snow-covered street. The protest marked a visible shift in tone at the festival, blending activism with the usual indie film buzz.
Wood later told Deadline he felt compelled to show up after learning about the Minnesota cases involving Alex Pretti and Renee Good, which he described as deeply disturbing. He said the incidents represented situations in which federal agents unlawfully took people’s lives, making silence feel impossible.
The moment reflects a broader evolution in Wood’s public life. Over the years, he has built a career defined by bold choices and constant reinvention, moving from child stardom into a wide range of genres, including animation, television, horror, music, and production. His work has consistently leaned toward independence and creative risk rather than comfort or spectacle.
That long artistic journey has now crossed into public activism. Wood also emphasized that Sundance exists to bring people together through stories from around the world, stressing unity over division. His message resonated throughout the weekend, as several actors openly criticized ICE and some wore “ICE OUT” pins during premieres.
Natalie Portman was among those speaking out. Appearing at the Sundance studio, she described the current political climate in the United States as horrifying and criticized federal leadership and immigration enforcement, while underscoring the importance of compassion. She noted that Sundance has long been a space for activism and open conversation, making it a natural setting for voices like hers.
Sundance has always been about more than films alone. The festival is known for launching careers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and sparking cultural movements. It has helped bring filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh to wider audiences and has given documentaries a powerful platform to address issues ranging from environmental crises to immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
Films debuting at Sundance have often gone on to shape public debate. Longtime Companion played a key role in humanizing the AIDS crisis, while Blackfish exposed the treatment of captive orcas and sparked global calls for reform.
Today, that legacy feels especially visible. With figures like Elijah Wood and Natalie Portman using Sundance to criticize ICE and federal policy, the festival once again reflects its identity as a place where art, protest, and public conscience intersect.