The philanthropic actions of billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman have ignited a fresh wave of controversy and speculation. Ackman shared a fundraising campaign for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer Jonathan Ross, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Minneapolis woman Renee Good. The move has drawn intense scrutiny, particularly after a top donor listed as 'William Ackman' contributed a substantial $10,000 to the cause.
The Fundraiser and the Mysterious Donation
The campaign was created by an individual named Clyde Emmons, who stated he was motivated by seeing fundraising efforts for what he termed a "domestic terrorist." In his appeal, Emmons wrote that he believed the officer was "1000 percent justified" and that the funds would cover legal services. He also mentioned being in contact with the officer's father.
The fundraiser proved remarkably successful, amassing approximately $132,000 from around 2,600 donations in just one day. The donor list publicly names a 'William Ackman' as a top contributor with the $10,000 sum. However, it remains unconfirmed whether this donor is the prominent financier Bill Ackman or another individual with the same name. Ackman himself has not issued any statement regarding the donation, limiting his public involvement to sharing the campaign link.
Where is Jonathan Ross and the Official Defence?
Following the incident, Jonathan Ross and his immediate family have retreated from public view. While his father initially spoke to media outlets, reports suggest the family is now in hiding due to fears for their safety and alleged death threats. Ross's identity became public knowledge after details emerged that the ICE agent had been severely injured during an operation in 2025, even though the administration had not officially released his name.
The shooting has also drawn comments from high-ranking former officials. Tom Homan, who served as former President Donald Trump's border czar, appeared on the Dr. Phil podcast to defend the officer's actions and plead for calmer rhetoric. "I'm begging, I'm begging, tone down the rhetoric," Homan said, expressing fear that inflammatory language comparing ICE to murderers could lead to further bloodshed.
Rising Tensions and Unanswered Questions
This incident sits at the volatile intersection of law enforcement actions, public fundraising, and the influence of wealthy individuals on polarising social issues. The rapid financial support for Officer Ross highlights the deep divisions in public opinion regarding border enforcement and the use of force.
The central question of whether Bill Ackman is the anonymous $10,000 benefactor remains unanswered, adding a layer of intrigue about the silent support from powerful figures. The situation continues to develop, with the officer's legal future uncertain and his family's location unknown, all while the national debate over the role and conduct of ICE agents intensifies.
