Spurs' Wembanyama Speaks Out on Minneapolis Tragedy

The French phenom expressed horror at recent fatal shootings tied to federal immigration enforcement operations.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:39pm

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama did not hold back when asked about the recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis related to federal immigration enforcement operations, saying he is "horrified" by the news and that he thinks it's "crazy" that some people make the murders of civilians sound "acceptable." The 22-year-old French player acknowledged his hesitation to go into too much detail, citing the potential cost, but made clear his strong emotions on the matter.

Why it matters

Wembanyama's comments add to the growing chorus of NBA players and figures who have spoken out against the recent Minneapolis shootings, which have sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability and reform around federal immigration enforcement tactics. As a high-profile international star, Wembanyama's perspective sheds light on how these incidents are being viewed globally.

The details

Wembanyama was referring to the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two U.S. citizens who were killed during separate federal ICE operations in Minnesota. The French player acknowledged his status as a foreigner living in the U.S. influences his hesitation to go into too much detail, but he made clear his strong emotions on the matter, saying he wakes up "horrified" by the news.

  • On January 27, 2026, Wembanyama made his comments to reporters.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 22-year-old French professional basketball player who plays for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen who was killed during a federal ICE operation in Minneapolis.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen who was killed during a separate federal ICE operation in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“PR has tried, but I'm not going to sit here and give some politically correct (answer). Every day I wake up and see the news and I'm horrified. I think it's crazy that some people make it seem like, or make it sound like, it's acceptable, like the murder of civilians (is) acceptable.”

— Victor Wembanyama (basketballforever.com)

The takeaway

Wembanyama's raw and emotional comments reflect the growing outrage over the recent Minneapolis shootings, which have sparked renewed calls for accountability and reform around federal immigration enforcement tactics. As a high-profile international star, his perspective sheds light on how these incidents are being viewed globally.