Davos: Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan Chase & Co., has issued a rare public criticism of Donald Trump’s immigration policy, saying he is troubled by how enforcement actions are being carried out.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Wednesday, Dimon said he supported efforts to secure US borders but expressed concern over reports and videos showing aggressive immigration enforcement.
“I don’t like what I’m seeing, five grown men beating up a little old lady,” Dimon said, referring to footage circulating online of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detaining people alleged to be undocumented immigrants. “I think we should calm down a little bit on the internal anger about immigration.”
It was not clear whether Dimon was referring to a specific incident or speaking more generally about ICE operations.
Border security praised, tactics questioned
Dimon acknowledged that the Trump administration has made progress on border control. Illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border fell to their lowest level in 50 years between October 2024 and September 2025, according to federal data cited by the BBC.
However, he questioned who is being targeted in enforcement actions. “Are they here legally? Are they criminals? Did they break American law?” Dimon asked.
“We need these people,” he added. “They work in hospitals, hotels, restaurants and agriculture. They’re good people, and they should be treated that way.”
Immigration overhaul under Trump
In the first year of his second term, Trump has significantly reshaped US immigration policy, focusing on mass deportations, stricter asylum rules and expanded funding for ICE staff and detention facilities. The administration has also removed restrictions on where immigration arrests can take place, leading to operations at schools, hospitals and places of worship.
Unlike Trump’s first term, many US corporate leaders have largely avoided public criticism of his policies. Analysts say business executives may be wary of potential retaliation from the administration.
During the Davos discussion, Dimon reiterated his long-standing support for immigration reform, including citizenship pathways for long-term residents and asylum protections.
“I think he can do it,” Dimon said of Trump. “He controlled the borders.”
