Martha Stewart Speaks Out Against Ice Presence In Her Neighborhood

Martha Stewart's Stand Against ICE

Updated Feb. 7, 2026, 6:32 p.m. ET

In a surprising turn of events, Martha Stewart, the beloved entrepreneur and TV host, is voicing her dissatisfaction with the recent activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in her neighborhood. Stewart, who typically radiates optimism, recently expressed her unease regarding ICE's presence in Bedford, NY. "I'm not happy with what's going on with immigration," she told USA TODAY. "We got a notice in my town of Bedford, NY, that ICE was in the schools. That's extremely depressing."

"Big brother' watching is not an easy way to live," Stewart lamented, highlighting the discomfort felt by many in the picturesque suburban town.

Concern among residents grew when the Bedford Central School District confirmed ICE officers were in the area. Superintendent Rob Glass reassured families, stating, "ICE was in Mount Kisco this morning looking for a specific individual. We want to reassure you that we have clear, specific protocols in place for addressing any potential interactions with ICE agents."

Family Influence and Public Reaction

Stewart's granddaughter, 14-year-old Jude, played a pivotal role in prompting her grandmother's public comments. Jude's heartfelt message to Stewart, which the TV icon shared on Instagram, urged the importance of speaking out during these trying times. "She is fourteen and sensitive to what is going on in our country as we all should be," Stewart noted, expressing her disappointment with the current state of affairs.

The tensions over ICE's actions have been heightened by recent incidents in Minneapolis, where ICE agents were involved in the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. The Trump administration defended the actions as self-defense, but local authorities and video evidence have raised questions.

Supporting Small Businesses with Pepsi

Despite the heavy topics at hand, Stewart remains dedicated to her community and business ventures. During the Super Bowl week in San Francisco, she teamed up with Pepsi to support local eateries through the "Bay Area Local Eats" initiative. Stewart commended Pepsi for their role in aiding small businesses, especially during challenging economic conditions.

"Everything is extremely expensive," she remarked, citing a Wall Street Journal story that illustrated the slim profit margins for restaurants. "Restaurants are a very hard business right now," she continued, acknowledging the soaring costs of living and the importance of supporting local dining establishments.