In the wake of a second fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, the sports world is once again stepping into the national conversation - not just as observers, but as vocal participants demanding accountability and justice.
Breanna Stewart, one of the most decorated players in WNBA history and a co-founder of the Unrivaled league, made a powerful statement ahead of her team’s game on Sunday. During player introductions before the Mist faced off against Vinyl, Stewart held up a sign reading “Abolish ICE.” It was a clear, deliberate gesture coming just one day after 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents in south Minneapolis.
Stewart, who just wrapped up another strong season with the New York Liberty where she averaged 18.3 points per game, used her platform in a moment that transcended basketball. And she wasn’t alone.
The shooting of Pretti marks the third such incident in recent weeks as the Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota. Earlier this month, federal agents fatally shot Renée Good, also 37, an incident that sparked protests across Minneapolis and beyond. A Venezuelan man, whose name has not been released, was also shot during this period.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pretti “approached” Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun. However, bystander videos from the scene show Pretti holding a phone in one hand, and none appear to clearly show him holding a weapon. After what appeared to be a physical altercation with several agents, Pretti was shot multiple times and pronounced dead.
Athletes across leagues and sports have not remained silent.
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton didn’t mince words, posting on social media, “Alex Pretti was murdered.” It was a blunt, emotional reaction that quickly gained traction.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, never one to shy away from social issues, addressed the situation before his team’s game in Minnesota, calling for compassion and urging people to “look after one another and to recognize what’s happening.”
Within the WNBA, the response was equally swift and heartfelt. Napheesa Collier, another Unrivaled co-founder and one of the league’s brightest stars, reshared former President Barack Obama’s statement calling the killing a “heartbreaking tragedy.” Brianna Turner of the Indiana Fever added her voice to the chorus, posting that “The minority that are still defending ICE will forever be on the wrong side of history.”
Natisha Hiedeman, Collier’s Lynx teammate and a member of “The Hive” in Unrivaled, took to Instagram to express her anguish, writing that she was “heartbroken to see ICE has flipped the city upside down and resorted to violence.”
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark shared a video of the incident and added, “sick world man,” capturing the disbelief many are feeling.
The reaction hasn’t been limited to players. On Sunday, the Timberwolves, Minnesota Wild, and Minnesota Vikings joined forces with major Minnesota-based corporations - including Target, Best Buy, and General Mills - in signing a public letter calling for “immediate de-escalation of tensions” across the state.
The NBA Players Association also released a formal statement, standing behind those protesting and invoking the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” The message was clear - the league’s players are choosing not to stay silent.
Even NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley weighed in during a broadcast of Inside the NBA, saying, “somebody has to step up and be adults,” as he addressed the escalating violence tied to ICE operations.
Former Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson, now with the Utah Jazz, reposted an illustration of Pretti with the words “Justice for Alex Pretti,” joining the growing number of athletes using their platforms to amplify the call for justice.
The message extended beyond basketball. At a Professional Women’s Hockey League game in St.
Paul, Minnesota Frost fans chanted “ICE OUT” before the puck dropped and held a moment of silence for Pretti. The NHL’s Minnesota Wild, who played later that day, did not hold a similar tribute.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider made a historical comparison, posting an image of British soldiers firing on citizens during the Boston Massacre alongside Obama’s statement - a striking visual that underscored his feelings on the matter.
In response to the unrest, the Timberwolves’ Saturday night matchup against the Warriors was postponed to Sunday, with league officials citing the need to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.”
From the hardwood to the ice, from the front office to the stands, the message is coming through loud and clear: athletes and fans alike are demanding answers, accountability, and above all, justice. In a city still grappling with the weight of recent history, the sports community is once again proving it’s not just watching - it’s leading.