Minnesota Timberwolves Join Athlete Outcry Against ICE After Minneapolis Shootings

NBA players and coaches condemn federal agents' actions following fatal incidents

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:23pm

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The Minnesota Timberwolves joined a growing group of athletes speaking out against federal immigration enforcement tactics, with stars such as Anthony Edwards publicizing their support for Minneapolis citizens after two fatal shootings in the city sparked national outrage. The Timberwolves released a statement in support of anti-ICE protests, and players wore 'Stand With Minnesota' shirts. Other NBA players, including Wembanyama, Haliburton, and Thomas, as well as athletes from the NFL, WNBA, and MLB, have also condemned the federal agents' actions.

Why it matters

The shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents have sparked nationwide outrage and a wave of criticism from the sports world. The Minnesota Timberwolves and other athletes are using their platforms to stand in solidarity with the Minneapolis community and call for accountability and transparency around the use of force by federal agents.

The details

In the aftermath of the fatal shootings, the Minnesota Timberwolves released a statement in support of anti-ICE protests, with players such as Anthony Edwards wearing 'Stand With Minnesota' shirts. Other NBA stars, including Wembanyama, Haliburton, and Thomas, have also condemned the federal agents' actions, with Thomas writing on X, 'Y'all had him out numbered and decided to KILL him like it was a video game.' Athletes from the NFL, WNBA, and MLB have also spoken out, with Minnesota Vikings legend John Randle writing, 'I am NOT okay with reckless violence condoned by the Trump Administration. I am NOT okay with people being murdered in our own communities.'

  • On January 29, 2026, the Minnesota Timberwolves played a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with players wearing 'Stand With Minnesota' shirts.
  • The fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti occurred in Minneapolis in January 2026.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who wore a 'Stand With Minnesota' shirt to show his support for the Minneapolis community.

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who stated that the organization is 'heartbroken for what we are having to witness and endure.'

Wembanyama

An NBA star who condemned the federal agents' actions, stating, 'I think it is crazy that some people make it sound like it's acceptable, like the murder of civilians is acceptable.'

Tyrese Haliburton

An NBA player who joined in condemning federal agents' actions.

Isaiah Thomas

An NBA player who wrote on X, 'Y'all had him out numbered and decided to KILL him like it was a video game.'

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What they’re saying

“As an organization, we are heartbroken for what we are having to witness and endure.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves (Forbes)

“Every day I wake up and see the news and I'm horrified. I think it is crazy that some people make it sound like it's acceptable, like the murder of civilians is acceptable.”

— Wembanyama (Forbes)

“Y'all had him out numbered and decided to KILL him like it was a video game.”

— Isaiah Thomas, NBA Player (X)

“No matter what your opinions are or what your beliefs are, you should be able to agree that nobody needs to be dying on the street.”

— Chet Holmgren, Center, Oklahoma City Thunder (Forbes)

“These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people. This moment demands that we reflect honestly on what our values truly are.”

— Karl-Anthony Towns, Center, New York Knicks (Forbes)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.