NBA Star Wembanyama Speaks Out Against ICE Actions

The 22-year-old French player refuses to "shut up and dribble" on issues of injustice in the U.S.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:07am

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Victor Wembanyama, the highly touted French basketball player set to join the NBA, has spoken out against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the United States, despite pressure from his PR team to remain silent. Wembanyama expressed horror at the news of civilian deaths and the normalization of violence, saying he has been asking "very deep questions" about his life in the U.S. His comments come amid a broader trend of NBA players, including Donovan Mitchell and Larry Nance Jr., using their platforms to address social and political issues, in contrast to the league's past efforts to discourage such activism.

Why it matters

Wembanyama's willingness to speak out on controversial issues, despite the potential professional risks, represents a shift in how high-profile athletes are using their platforms. His comments highlight the ongoing tensions around free speech, patriotism, and the role of sports figures in addressing social and political problems in the U.S.

The details

Wembanyama said his PR team had urged him to remain silent on political issues, but he felt compelled to condemn the actions of ICE, particularly in the wake of incidents like the attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. The young player acknowledged that speaking out could have a "cost that's too great" for him right now, underscoring the challenges faced by athletes who choose to engage in activism.

  • Wembanyama made his comments in January 2026, shortly before he is expected to be the top pick in the NBA draft.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 22-year-old French basketball player who is expected to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

Donovan Mitchell

An NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers who has also spoken out against the normalization of violence in Minnesota.

Larry Nance Jr.

A forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers who has publicly protested the actions of ICE through social media and wearing protest shirts.

Ilhan Omar

A U.S. Representative from Minnesota who was the victim of a violent attack during a town hall meeting, likely spurred by rising anti-immigrant sentiment.

Laura Ingraham

A Fox News host who infamously told LeBron James to "shut up and dribble" when he spoke about police brutality in 2018.

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What they’re saying

“PR has tried, but I'm not going to sit here and be politically correct, you know? Every day I wake up and see the news, and you know, I'm horrified. I think it's crazy that some people might make it sound like the murder of civilians is acceptable. I read the news, and sometimes I'm asking very deep questions about my own life — but I'm conscious also that saying everything that's on my mind would have a cost that's too great for me right now.”

— Victor Wembanyama

What’s next

Wembanyama's comments have sparked a broader discussion about the role of athletes in addressing social and political issues. It remains to be seen whether more NBA players will follow his lead in using their platforms to speak out against injustice, despite potential professional consequences.

The takeaway

Wembanyama's willingness to speak out on controversial issues, even at the risk of professional repercussions, represents a shift in how high-profile athletes are engaging with social and political problems in the United States. His comments highlight the ongoing tensions around free speech, patriotism, and the role of sports figures in addressing injustice.