Barry's Bootcamp Under Fire for Alleged ICE Raid Protocol
The upscale fitness chain Barry's Bootcamp is embroiled in controversy following the viral circulation of an alleged leaked internal memo. The document reportedly outlines a detailed seven-step protocol for instructors to follow in the event of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at their studios.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Instructors
The unauthenticated memo, which has not been confirmed by Barry's corporate leadership, provides specific instructions beginning with maintaining calm and immediately turning off all music if ICE agents enter the building. Instructors are then directed to bring treadmill sessions to a complete stop and illuminate all studio lighting.
The protocol continues with a suggested announcement to class participants: 'Everyone please remain at your station. ICE has entered the room and is conducting an investigation.' The guidance emphasizes that instructors should stay at their podiums unless otherwise directed and explicitly states they should not assume 'further responsibility for anyone other than yourself.'
According to the document, studio leadership would be notified of the situation and would assume responsibility for all communication with both ICE officials and clients. The Daily Mail has reached out to Barry's Bootcamp for official comment regarding the memo's authenticity.
Member Outrage and Boycott Threats
The alleged memo has ignited significant anger among Barry's Bootcamp members across social media platforms. Many expressed outrage that the fitness chain would allegedly cooperate with immigration enforcement rather than protecting their clientele.
One furious member commented: 'Apparently, Barry's is pulling out the red carpet for ICE if they want to kidnap one of their members.' Another drew historical parallels, stating: 'It seems Barry's guidance is: "if the Gestapo comes into the building, do nothing as they rip away one of your neighbors that you've known for years. Point at them if you have to!"'
The controversy has prompted calls for organized resistance, with some members urging others to 'do your due diligence and speak out against this through social media, email or in person.' Several have threatened to cancel their memberships and initiate boycotts of the fitness chain.
Defense and Broader Industry Context
Not all responses have been critical. Some have defended the alleged protocol as prudent risk management, with one commenter noting: 'My gym also put out guidance like this. You have to look at it from their perspective. Law enforcement is there, you don't want to increase your liability, so you tell people to do things that decrease everyone else's danger. Doesn't have to feel good.'
This incident follows similar controversies within the fitness industry. Recently, Texas-based Crunch Fitness faced criticism after an alleged memo surfaced on Reddit outlining cooperation policies with law enforcement including ICE. That document, since deleted, reportedly instructed staff to contact management, maintain member calm, and ensure no interference with agents during raids.
A Crunch Fitness spokesperson subsequently stated that the memo 'does not represent Crunch Fitness's corporate policy' and clarified that only lobby areas are accessible to law enforcement without warrants.
National Tensions and Corporate Responses
The Barry's Bootcamp controversy emerges against a backdrop of heightened national tensions surrounding immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Several major corporations have faced backlash regarding their ICE-related policies in recent months.
In January, Hilton Hotels severed ties with a Minnesota franchisee after the property sparked outrage by canceling bookings made by immigration agents and refusing them service. The Lakeville Hampton Inn was ordered to remove all Hilton branding after corporate leadership discovered their policy barring ICE agents remained in effect.
Rental car giant Enterprise similarly faced protests after social media accusations that the company provided vehicles to federal immigration agents. Meanwhile, Target employees in Los Angeles reported fear about coming to work after two legal citizens were detained by ICE while on the job.
The situation has escalated to tragic proportions in some regions. In Minnesota, conflicts between immigration officers and protesters resulted in two fatal shootings in January, claiming the lives of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. These incidents have generated substantial pushback against both ICE operations and the Trump administration's immigration policies.
In response to the escalating tensions, Border Czar Tom Homan announced the withdrawal of 700 federal agents from Minnesota. During a Minneapolis news conference addressing the fatal shootings, Homan appeared to criticize Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's immigration crackdown, conceding it had not been a 'perfect operation.'
Barry's Bootcamp, founded in Los Angeles as a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) fitness chain combining treadmill running with strength elements, now operates 89 studios worldwide with 56 locations across North America. The company faces mounting pressure to address the authenticity of the leaked memo and clarify its official stance regarding interactions with immigration enforcement authorities.
