NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
NBA fans delivered messages against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
Fans held signs inside the Target Center that read, “ICE out now,” after two deadly incidents involving federal agents rocked Minneapolis this month. The second incident occurred Saturday when a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a Minneapolis man.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
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)
Protesters 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 the Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
A view of signs protesting 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 postponed the Warriors-T’Wolves game that was scheduled for Saturday and pushed it back to Sunday. Fans responded with anti-ICE messages inside the building, while protesters had similar messages outside the arena.
A moment of silence was held in memory of Alex J. Pretti before kickoff.
He was shot and killed after allegedly confronting agents during a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation in the southern part of the city.
The shooting death came a few weeks after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good. DHS said Good was shot in self-defense after he used his SUV in a way that posed a threat. DHS said the video showed Good interfering with ICE officers by parking his vehicle on the road in an apparent attempt to block federal vehicles.
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)
WNBA STAR BREANNA STEWART CALLS TO ‘ABOLISH ICE’ BEFORE UNMATCHED GAME
The National Basketball Players Association also issued a statement 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.
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)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
“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.”
