Minnesota Timberwolves Urge Unity Amidst Outcry Over ICE-Involved Fatal Shootings
MINNEAPOLIS – In the wake of two fatal shootings involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents this month, the Minnesota Timberwolves have issued a heartfelt plea for unity, aiming to bridge divides in a community gripped by tension and grief.
The NBA team's statement, released late Thursday, comes after public outrage escalated over the deaths of two U.S. citizens in separate encounters with federal officers. The incidents have fueled ongoing local protests against stringent immigration policies and intensified scrutiny of federal agents' conduct in the city.
"Our hearts are with every family, neighbor, and community member across the Twin Cities and Minnesota who has been hurt by these tragedies," the Timberwolves organization stated. "In moments like these, we must remember that our shared humanity transcends division."
The first shooting occurred on January 7, when ICE agents shot Renee Good inside her vehicle during an operation. Weeks later, on January 25, Alex Pretti was fatally shot by two federal officers after reportedly refusing orders to clear a street. The latter incident prompted the postponement of a Timberwolves home game against the Golden State Warriors last Saturday, as thousands braved freezing temperatures to march through Minneapolis streets, demanding an end to aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.
While not addressing the shootings directly, the team's message emphasized cohesion and resilience. "Minnesota is at its strongest when we lift each other up," the statement read. "There is no place for hatred or division here. We mourn the lives lost and extend strength and compassion to all who are suffering."
The statement reflects the growing role of sports franchises as civic voices in times of social unrest, particularly in a state historically marked by both deep community ties and racial tensions.
Community Voices React
Reuters spoke to several Minneapolis residents for their perspective:
Marcus Johnson, 42, community organizer: "The Timberwolves are using their platform responsibly. Sports teams have a unique ability to bring people together, and right now, that's what we need—dialogue, not more polarization."
Dr. Elena Rodriguez, 38, sociology professor at the University of Minnesota: "These shootings are symptomatic of a broader, systemic issue in how federal authority interacts with local communities. The team's call for unity is meaningful, but real change requires policy reform, not just words."
Jason Miller, 55, local small business owner: "This is just virtue signaling. A basketball team shouldn't be wading into political issues. It's divisive and ignores the fact that these agents were doing their jobs. Where's the call for respecting law enforcement?"
Priya Sharma, 29, social worker: "As someone who works with immigrant families daily, I'm grateful for the visibility. This isn't about politics—it's about people feeling safe in their own city. The Timberwolves are standing with their community, and that matters."
Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Toby Davis