Timberwolves Players Release Statement on 'Tragic Events' Involving ICE in Minneapolis

The NBA team addressed rising tensions and recent fatal incidents in the city.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:55am

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The Minnesota Timberwolves released a statement from its players regarding the rising anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tensions in Minneapolis. There have been two fatal incidents in recent weeks involving federal immigration agents amid heightened tensions over the operations as well as clashes with anti-ICE demonstrators.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves, as a prominent local sports franchise, are using their platform to address the ongoing issues and tensions in the Minneapolis community related to ICE operations and protests. Their statement reflects the broader impact these events are having on the city.

The details

The Timberwolves postponed a game against the Golden State Warriors in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Department of Veteran Affairs ICU nurse, involving a Border Patrol agent. The following day, NBA fans delivered anti-ICE messages at Target Center, with signs inside the arena reading, 'ICE out now.' A moment of silence was also held for Pretti and Renee Good, 37, who was killed while operating a vehicle that agents ordered her to exit.

  • On January 29, 2026, the Timberwolves released a statement from its players.
  • On January 28, 2026, the Timberwolves postponed their game against the Golden State Warriors.
  • On January 29, 2026, NBA fans delivered anti-ICE messages at Target Center.

The players

Minnesota Timberwolves

A professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old Department of Veteran Affairs ICU nurse who was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent.

Renee Good

A 37-year-old woman who was killed while operating a vehicle that ICE agents ordered her to exit.

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What they’re saying

“We, the Minnesota Timberwolves players, extend our sincere sympathies and love to everyone across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota who has been affected by the recent tragic events impacting our communities. Minnesota is strongest when we uplift and support one another, and there is no room for hatred or division across our great state or among all who live here.”

— Minnesota Timberwolves players (wxbc1043.com)

“Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been on the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent. Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.”

— National Basketball Players Association (wxbc1043.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case involving the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the Border Patrol agent involved to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The Timberwolves' statement reflects the broader impact the rising tensions and recent tragic events involving ICE in Minneapolis are having on the local community. As a prominent sports franchise, the team is using its platform to call for unity, healing, and justice during this challenging time.