Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Apologizes for Misinformation

Kerr walked back his previous comments about ICE detaining citizens and young children.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:47pm

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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr apologized for making inaccurate comments about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency earlier this week. Kerr had claimed that ICE was "taking five-year-old kindergartners" and U.S. citizens to detain and arrest them rather than violent criminals. However, Kerr later acknowledged that he "misspoke" and that ICE does in fact arrest some criminals, though he maintained they are also detaining people who should not be detained.

Why it matters

Kerr's initial comments about ICE sparked significant controversy and criticism. As a high-profile figure, his words carry weight, and making inaccurate statements about government agencies can contribute to the spread of misinformation. Kerr's apology and clarification aim to correct the record and acknowledge his mistake.

The details

Earlier this week, Kerr made remarks about ICE, saying the agency has been "taking five-year-old kindergartners" and U.S. citizens to detain and arrest them, rather than focusing on violent criminals. However, on Friday, Kerr walked back those comments, stating that he "immediately regretted it" because he knew ICE does arrest some criminals, though he maintains they are also detaining people who should not be detained. Kerr attributed his initial emotional state, following the fatal police shooting of Alex Pretti, as a factor in his choice of words.

  • On Monday, Kerr made the controversial comments about ICE.
  • On Friday, Kerr issued an apology and clarification for his previous statements.

The players

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors, who made the initial comments about ICE and has now apologized for them.

Alex Pretti

The individual whose fatal police shooting prompted protests and an emotional response from Kerr earlier in the week.

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What they’re saying

“I definitely misspoke, and I knew that ICE was arresting some criminals.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors (Daily Mail)

“I immediately regretted it because I knew that to be the case. My point is that they're also arresting people and detaining citizens and people who should not be being detained. The manner in which they're doing it, as you see, is riling everybody up all over the country.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors (Daily Mail)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of public figures, especially those with large platforms, being careful and accurate with their statements, as misinformation can quickly spread and cause further controversy. Kerr's apology and clarification demonstrate accountability and a willingness to correct the record.