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The Minnesota Timberwolves released a statement from their players regarding rising anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tensions in Minneapolis.
There have been two deadly incidents in Minneapolis in recent weeks involving federal immigration agents amid heightened tensions around the operations as well as clashes with anti-ICE protesters.
Like everyone else in the Twin Cities, the Timberwolves were touched by the events and released a statement expressing their “sincere sympathies and love to all.”
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Fans hold signs to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis before the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
“We, the players of the Minnesota Timberwolves, extend our sincere sympathies and love to all those in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota who have been affected by the recent tragic events that have impacted our communities,” the statement read. “Minnesota is stronger when we lift up and support each other, and there is no place for hatred or division in our great state or among anyone who lives here.
“We mourn the lives lost and send strength, peace and compassion to all who suffer. We believe in the resilience, unity and caring that define Minnesotans and bring our communities together in times of difficulty and need.”
The Timberwolves postponed their game Saturday against the Golden State Warriors following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Department of Veterans Affairs intensive care nurse, involving a Border Patrol agent.
ANTI-ICE PROTESTS TAKE PLACE AS T’WOLVES-WARRIORS NBA GAME TAKES PLACE
“The decision was made to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community,” the NBA said, specifying that the game would be played on Sunday.
The next day, NBA fans spread anti-ICE messages at Target Center, with signs inside the arena reading “ICE out now.” A moment of silence was observed for Pretti – the same protocol for the Timberwolves following the death of Renee Good.
The team observed a moment of silence for Good, 37, who was killed while driving a vehicle that officers ordered her to get out of, according to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Good, according to Noem, refused and “attempted to run them over and ram them with his vehicle.”
A moment of silence is observed for Alex Jeffrey Pretti before the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
“Our thoughts are with his family and everyone affected, and our hearts are with our community as we hope for healing and unity during this difficult time,” the Target Center public address announcer said.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch also spoke before his team beat the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“As we all know, our community has suffered yet another unspeakable tragedy,” he said. “We just want to send our condolences, our deepest wishes, our prayers and our thoughts to the families, loved ones and all those who are greatly affected by what happened.”
The National Basketball Players Association also released a statement last Sunday.
“After the announcement of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been at the forefront of the fight against injustice, NBA players can no longer remain silent,” the union said. “Now more than ever, we must defend the right to free speech and stand in solidarity with Minnesotans who are protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.
A demonstrator holds a sign to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis before the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
“The NBA playing fraternity, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all. The NBPA and its members extend our deepest condolences to the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, as our thoughts remain focused on the safety and well-being of all members of our community.”
The shooting fueled new protests in the Twin Cities, amid a recent surge in ICE activity in the region as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
