Ellen DeGeneres said she’s “proud” of anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis, while dubbing the Midwestern city the “happiest in America.”

“I just wanted to say I am so sorry for what is happening in Minneapolis and our country, really, but specifically Minneapolis right now,” DeGeneres said in a video posted to Instagram.

DeGeneres shared that she filmed her 2024 Netflix comedy special, “Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval,” in Minneapolis because she adored the city’s atmosphere.

“I shot it there because they say it’s the happiest city in America. And I found that to be true.”

“So my thoughts and my prayers are going out to everyone. And I’m proud of everyone who’s protesting peacefully, and I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting, for doing what you should be doing,” she added.

Her pro-protester message sparked backlash, with critics slamming DeGeneres for weighing in after she seemingly left the US following President Trump’s 2024 re-election.

“You really think anyone cares what you think now? Dream on,” one user wrote.

Ellen DeGeneres spoke out about the ongoing unrest in Minneapolis in a video shared to Instagram. Ellen Degeneres/Instagram

“Not your country anymore,” another commented, appearing to reference her departure.

“You don’t get to have a say anymore. And they are not protesting, they are rioting,” another added.

“I am so sorry too! Why don’t these people stay home and let ICE do the job we as a country voted for,” another wrote.

While DeGeneres faced harsh criticism, other followers praised her for supporting the protesters.

“Wow, I agree with you on this even though we differ politically! Peace through unity,” one user commented.

“As a Minnesotan, thank you. It’s rough here,” another added.

Federal immigration officers confront protesters outside Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Minneapolis. AP

“Thank you for being our voice,” wrote a third.

Shortly after Trump’s re-election in November 2024, DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, were spotted out with friends at The Farmer’s Dog in the Cotswolds. While their exact location is unclear, they are believed to be living in the English countryside.

The couple finalized the sale of their Montecito home in August 2024.

DeGeneres had publicly supported Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the election, resharing Taylor Swift’s endorsement.

DeGeneres’ Instagram post received mixed reactions on social media. Getty Images

She has largely stayed out of the spotlight since toxic workplace allegations led to the end of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” after 19 seasons in May 2022.

DeGeneres is not the only celebrity to speak out against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the death of Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7.

Bruce Springsteen told ICE to “get the f–k out” of Minneapolis during his show Saturday and dedicated his 1978 song “The Promised Land” to Good.

People march and gather near the post office during a protest, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Minneapolis. AP

“If you believe you don’t deserve to be murdered for exercising your American right to protest, then send a message to this president — ICE should get the f–k out of Minneapolis,” he said, repeating a call made by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey after Good’s death.

Protesters outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on Thursday, January 16, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as tensions continue following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent earlier this month and ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement enforcement operations in the city. James Keivom for NY Post

Rosie O’Donnell said it’s “really unbelievable” to see ICE acting “out of control” in the US.

“Since when do we have a militarized army conducted by the president of the United States without due process?” she asked in a TikTok video.

With Post wires