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The Minnesota Timberwolves issued a statement from their players regarding rising tensions against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis.
There have been two fatal incidents in Minneapolis in recent weeks involving federal immigration agents amid rising tensions over the operations, as well as clashes with anti-ICE protesters.
Like everyone in the Twin Cities, the Timberwolves have been affected by the events and issued a statement expressing their “sincere sympathies and love for everyone.”
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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 deepest condolences and love to all those in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota who have been affected by the recent tragic events that have affected our communities,” the statement read. “Minnesota is stronger when we lift up and support each other, and there is no place for hate or division in our great state or among everyone who lives here.
“We mourn the lives lost and send strength, peace and compassion to all who are suffering. We believe in the resilience, unity and caring that define Minnesotans and unite our communities in times of hardship and need.”
The Timberwolves postponed their Saturday game against the Golden State Warriors following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Department of Veterans Affairs ICU nurse, involving a Border Patrol agent.
PROTESTS AGAINST ICE TAKE PLACE WHILE T’WOLVES-WARRIORS NBA GAME IS TAKING PLACE
“The decision was made to prioritize the safety of the Minneapolis community,” the NBA said, adding that the game would be played on Sunday.
The next day, NBA fans delivered anti-ICE messages at the Target Center, with signs inside the arena reading “ICE Now Available.” A moment of silence was held for Pretti, the same protocol for the Timberwolves following the earlier death of Renee Good.
The team held a moment of silence for Good, 37, who died while driving a vehicle that officers ordered him out of, according to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Good, according to Noem, refused and “attempted to run over and ram them with his vehicle.”
A moment of silence is held in memory of 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 look forward to healing and unity during this difficult time,” the Target Center public address announcer said.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch also spoke before his team defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“As we all know, our community has suffered another unspeakable tragedy,” he said. “We just want to extend our condolences, sincere wishes, prayers and thoughts to the families and loved ones and to all those who are greatly affected by what has happened.”
The National Basketball Players Association also issued a statement last Sunday.
“Following news of another deadly 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 the people of Minnesota who are protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.
A protester 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 the 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 allow the flames of division to threaten the civil liberties that must 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 more protests in the Twin Cities amid a recent increase in ICE activity in the area as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
