Customer says she found out something shocking mid-order at Chipotle. But viewers say it was one former shareholder: ‘And it’s a Mexican food chain?’
A customer at Chipotle overheard a conversation that had her questioning her order. According to TikTok content creator Chikicurls (@chikicurls), Chipotle may have donated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In her video, she stated, “ I’m already crying. I’m gonna try and do this with composure.” That is, put her Chipotle order in without walking out. Her video now has 1.2 million viewers, with many people adding in their own thoughts about an official, Chipotle CEO donating $15,000 to ICE-related GoFundMes.
But it turns out that information isn’t true. As one commenter stated, “It was the ex-CEO who made a personal donation. He is no longer affiliated with Chipotle. The company is anti-ice and does not fund them in any way.”
So, who donated to ICE? Why are people saying that Chipotle supports Jonathan Ross?
Did Chipotle Donate to ICE?
There’s no publicly available information to conclude that Chipotle’s founders or CEO’s have donated to ICE. Bill Ackman, a former prominent shareholder, did donate to a campaign in support of Ross, the man who shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, 2026.
Ackman donated $10,000 to Emmons GoFundMe on Jan. 12, 2026. The donation is listed under GoFundMe’s top donors. For that reason, many people went online, spreading information that “Chipotle’s CEO” had donated money to directly support ICE.
Rumors quickly changed the narrative, stating that “Chipotle’s CEO” had donated $15,000 to ICE. There’s no evidence to conclude that any owner or CEO of Chipotle donated $15,000.
Ackman’s hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, did hold a large stake in the company pre-2025. But since November 2025, Ackman has not been involved with the Mexican-inspired fast-food chain. Chipotle confirmed this information on social media after facing backlash.
Ackman also made a donation personally. He did not do so through Chipotle or his hedge fund.
Ackman defended his donation, commenting on X, “My purpose in supporting Ross and attempting to support Good was not to make a political statement. I was simply continuing my longstanding commitment to assisting those accused of crimes of providing for their defense. I strongly believe that only a detailed forensic investigation by experts and a deep understanding of the law that applies will enable us to determine whether Ross is guilty of murder.”
Ackman has made no notable donations toward any organizations that support Good based on his post.
Why are there online fundraisers for Jonathan Ross?
Platforms like GoFundMe have allowed online fundraisers to continue supporting Ross, raising thousands of dollars within the last month. One campaign has reportedly raised over $794,000. The fundraiser, which was created by Clyde Emmons, “will go to help him,” referring to Ross.
Many people called for these GoFundMe campaigns to get taken down, but it’s unlikely they will be. While GoFundMe has policies that prevent individuals from raising funds to help with the legal defense of a violent crime, Emmons did not state he was raising funds for that purpose.
Emmons didn’t clarify how or what the funds would go to. He stated that “arrangements are being put into place to transfer the funds as the officer wishes,” on Jan. 13. So, the fundraiser doesn’t appear to violate GoFundMe’s terms of service.
But wait, doesn’t Ackman’s statement directly contradict GoFundMe’s previously stated policies?
Ackman directly stated that he was “assisting those accused of crimes and providing for their defense.” This directly contradicts GoFundMe’s previously stated policy that fundraisers should not donate for legal defenses of violent crimes.
Ackman further clarified his position in the post, saying, “23 years ago almost to the day, I was accused of a crime that I did not commit. I was confident that I had done nothing wrong, but I was convicted in the headlines. I was under investigation for nearly a year before it ended without any finding of wrongdoing, but it would be years later before I was exonerated in the public eye. Fortunately, I had the financial resources to pay for my defense and support my family during the investigation, a period during which I was unemployed.”
While Ackman stated that he “contributed $10,000 to the first gofundme I found which supported Ross.” He also claimed that “I supported Ross because I knew he would need significant funds to cover his defense costs.” He may not have known about the policy, but he did donate with the intention of providing legal support.
It’s important to note that Emmons did not explicitly state that the GoFundMe would go toward Ross’ legal defense. But, this does make it evident that many people are donating with the explicit expectation that their funds will go toward his legal aid.
@chikicurls just pissing me off? #chipotle #ice ♬ original sound – cheetahlight
The Mary Sue reached out to kikicurls, GoFundMe, Chipotle, and Pershing Square Capital Management via email.
Update Feb. 8, 2026:
In a response to The Mary Sue, a representative from Chipotle stated, “Chipotle has not made any donations to ICE. Bill Ackman is not affiliated with Chipotle, he has never served as an executive of Chipotle, and he is no longer a shareholder of the Company.”
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