Breanna Stewart, co-founder of the three-on-three league Unrivaled and two-time WNBA MVP, held up a “Abolish ICE” sign at the players’ presentation Sunday, the day after a second person was killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this month.
“I was really disgusted all day yesterday by everything we see on Instagram and in the media,” Stewart said to justify her decision to take a stand, adding that “everyone here [à Unrivaled] feels the same way, one way or another.”
“We’re so fueled by hate rather than love right now, so I wanted to send a simple message: ‘Abolish ICE.’ This means putting in place policies that support families and communities instead of stoking fear and violence. »
Stewart, a four-time NCAA champion with UConn and a three-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty, said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s activity targeting immigrants nationwide “affects her even more” given that her wife is a Spanish citizen and is still working on obtaining U.S. citizenship.
Several other WNBA players, including Napheesa Collier, co-founder ofUnrivaled and Minnesota Lynx player, have lent their support to the thousands of protesters in Minneapolis who are demanding the departure of federal immigration agents from the city.
After winning $50,000 in a free throw contest earlier this week, top draft pick and Minnesota native Paige Bueckers pledged a match to the Hopkins Strong Relief Fund, which supports food security in her community.
A minute of silence was observed before league games on Saturday, “to take a moment of contemplation in memory of the recent tragic events in Minnesota,” explained the announcer. “Our thoughts and support are with those affected, and we extend our deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one. »
WNBA players have long engaged in activism, including in 2020 when they dedicated their pandemic season to social justice reform and helped spotlight Raphael Warnock’s Senate campaign.
