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New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart made her feelings known about US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sunday before her game in the top basketball organization.
Stewart, who plays for The Mist, held up a sign reading “Abolish ICE” as she took to the court for her match against Vinyl. The statement came after another weekend of unrest in Minneapolis following a Border Patrol-involved shooting that left one man dead.
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Breanna Stewart #30 of Mist drives against Rae Burrell #12 of Vinyl during the third quarter of the game at Sephora Arena on January 25, 2026 in Medley, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
It was the second incident involving Minneapolis residents and federal officers this month.
The victim in Saturday’s shooting was identified as Alex J. Pretti. He was shot and killed after he allegedly confronted officers during a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation in the south side of the city.
The shooting came a few weeks after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good. DHS said Good was shot in self-defense after she used her SUV in a manner that posed a threat. DHS said the video showed Good interfering with ICE officers by parking her vehicle in the roadway in an apparent attempt to block federal vehicles.
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Breanna Stewart #30 of the Mist shoots the ball against Vinyl during the fourth quarter of the game at Sephora Arena on January 25, 2026 in Medley, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
WNBA players have been outspoken about law enforcement since the first Trump administration.
In 2020, WNBA teams and players were among those protesting racial injustice following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
The WNBA Players Association also voiced support for a police reform bill in the wake of Floyd’s death.
“The growing epidemic of police violence against black and brown people must end. It is up to us, people of good conscience, to honor George Floyd, his daughter Gianna and his family by continuing our push for comprehensive legislation to hold police accountable,” the WNBPA said in a statement at the time.
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky forward Michaela Onyenwere (12) in the first half at Wintrust Arena on Sept. 11, 2025. (Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images)
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“America has a serious problem when it comes to discriminatory policing. It’s a deadly problem for black and brown people. Excessive force used against communities of color is past crisis level. Excessive force used against communities of color requires action by Congress.”
