Several NBA and WNBA figures spoke out to express their outrage after the death of Alex Pretti, killed by American immigration police in Minneapolis.
“One of the strangest and saddest atmospheres I have ever experienced.” Passing through Minnesota to challenge the Wolves with Golden State, on the night of Sunday to Monday in the NBA, Steve Kerr relegated basketball to the background. “You could feel the dark atmosphere. You could see that their team was struggling to cope with everything that was happening and what the city had been through,” insisted the Warriors coach to the press.
Since Saturday, the city of Minneapolis is shaken by the death of Alex Prettia 37-year-old American nurse shot dead during a demonstration against immigration police (ICE) operations. This drama aggravated an extremely tense situation since the death of Renee Good, an American also shot and killed on January 7 by an ICE agent, already in Minneapolis.
Minute of silence
On the night of Sunday to Monday, the Wolves-Warriors match began with a minute of silence during which supporters demanded the departure of the ICE agents.
“For the second time in less than three weeks, we have lost another member of our community in the most unimaginable way,” reacted Chris Finch, coach of the Minnesota franchise since 2021. “I am more than just a resident. This is my home. I love living here. I love being part of this community. I was welcomed with open arms from day one. It’s sad to see what’s happening. On a human level, I know that many of our players feel the same way. They all love being here, and it’s hard to see what we’re going through.”
“What is happening is heartbreaking to see,” commented Karl-Anthony Towns, star of the Wolves for almost a decade before his departure to the Knicks. “These events have cost lives and disrupted families and we must demand accountability, transparency and protection from all. This moment forces us to honestly reflect on what our values truly are. My thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences are with the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. I stand with the people of Minnesota.”
“NBA players can no longer remain silent”
The Minneapolis drama outraged far beyond the Minnesota Timberwolves circle. “Alex Pretti was murdered,” said Tyrese Haliburton, NBA finalist in 2025 with the Indiana Pacers. Breanna Stewart, face of American women’s basketball (WNBA champion in 2018, 2020 and 2024, Olympic champion in 2016, 2021 and 2024), held up a sign “abolish the Ice” before her Unrivaled league match (3×3 basketball league). “We are so fueled by hate right now, instead of love, that I wanted to send a simple message: ‘Abolish ICE,’ which means putting in place policies to support families and communities, instead of fueling fear and violence,” she detailed.
“NBA players can no longer remain silent,” summarized the players’ association in a press release published Sunday evening. “Now more than ever, we must defend the right to free speech and stand in solidarity with the people of Minnesota who are protesting and risking their lives to demand justice. The NBA fraternity, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its citizens around the world, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all.”
