OpenAI offers $15,000 and support resources to staff affected by US immigration authorities

OpenAI confirmed to Business Insider that the company is offering "new support resources" to staff navigating ICE detention or prolonged Border Patrol inspection. Florian Gaertner/Photothek via Getty Images 2026-02-20T03:08:25.793Z Share Copy link Email Facebook WhatsApp X LinkedIn Bluesky Threads lighning bolt icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.

Impact Link Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in. OpenAI is offering resources to staff who may be navigating ICE detention or Border Patrol inspections. The new resources include $15,000 of reimbursed legal fees and referrals to immigration counsel. The resource package comes shortly after CEO Sam Altman said ICE "is going too far." OpenAI is rolling out a new package of resources for employees who may be navigating interactions with US immigration authorities. The initiative is designed to help staff directly affected by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention or prolonged secondary inspection by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — including situations involving an employee or an immediate family member.The move comes as the nation grapples with fallout from a series of federal immigration enforcement incidents, including lethal shootings, that have triggered widespread protests and corporate pushback. According to an OpenAI spokesperson, the support resources include:Up to $15,000 (gross) in reimbursement for approved expenses tied to immigration detention or enforcement interactions, such as immigration legal services, meals, lodging, and transportation.Expedited referrals to external immigration counsel.A resource guide for handling complex immigration situations, including guidance on locating detained individuals and referrals to low-cost or pro bono counsel. "We regularly review our employee benefits to ensure they reflect the needs of our workforce," the spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider. "As part of that process, we updated our support resources for employees facing complex immigration-related situations."The company, which relies on skilled workers from around the world, declined to specify how many employees might require the use of the resources. The announcement follows internal conversations at OpenAI about federal immigration enforcement, including CEO Sam Altman's recent message to employees criticizing ICE's actions as going "too far."Business Insider previously reported that in a late January internal Slack message, Altman expressed concern about recent immigration enforcement activity, sparking strong reactions within the company. Altman's comments came amid heightened national scrutiny over ICE and Border Patrol operations in Minneapolis, where federal immigration enforcement actions have drawn widespread criticism.In his message, which also praised Trump, Altman said part of loving the country is recognizing and pushing back against government "overreach."