WNBA Star Paige Bueckers Criticizes ICE: What She Didn't Mention

Bueckers condemned ICE during a shootaround, but failed to provide full context around the situation in Minnesota.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, crimson, and silver representing the multifaceted nature of the issues surrounding Paige Bueckers' comments on ICE.A cubist interpretation of the tensions surrounding WNBA star Paige Bueckers' criticism of ICE, deconstructing the complex issues at play.Minneapolis Today

WNBA player Paige Bueckers criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a recent Unrivaled league shootaround, saying 'innocent lives are being taken' and 'innocent families are being broken apart.' However, the article argues that Bueckers failed to mention the lack of peaceful protests in Minnesota and incidents of violence against ICE agents, providing an incomplete picture of the situation.

Why it matters

Bueckers' comments on a high-profile platform shine a light on the ongoing tensions and debates around immigration enforcement, particularly in her home state of Minnesota. The article suggests her remarks lacked important context and nuance around the complex issues at hand.

The details

During the Unrivaled league shootaround, Bueckers said 'It hits a little bit home for me because I'm from there. It's unfortunate. Honestly, I've grown up seeing, and been a part of, peaceful protests, marches and the community coming together because of tragic events. Innocent lives are being taken, innocent families are being broken apart.' However, the article argues that there is 'nothing peaceful' happening in Minnesota currently, citing incidents of violence against ICE agents such as Renee Good attempting to run over an agent and Alex Pretti spitting on agents and damaging their vehicles.

  • Bueckers made the comments during a shootaround for the Unrivaled league on Thursday afternoon.

The players

Paige Bueckers

A WNBA player who is from Minnesota and criticized ICE during a recent Unrivaled league shootaround.

Tim Walz

The Governor of Minnesota who the article says 'stood behind his iron gate at his mansion and told people to record ICE any chance they get.'

Tom Homan

A former ICE official who was recently sent to Minnesota 'to get this done correctly' according to the article.

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What they’re saying

“It hits a little bit home for me because I'm from there. It's unfortunate. Honestly, I've grown up seeing, and been a part of, peaceful protests, marches and the community coming together because of tragic events. Innocent lives are being taken, innocent families are being broken apart.”

— Paige Bueckers, WNBA Player

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debates and tensions around immigration enforcement, particularly in Minnesota where WNBA star Paige Bueckers is from. While Bueckers condemned ICE's actions, the article argues she failed to provide full context around the lack of peaceful protests and incidents of violence in the state, leading to an incomplete picture of the complex situation.