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NBA fans delivered anti-US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) messages 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 officers rocked Minneapolis this month. The second incident occurred Saturday, when a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a Minneapolis man.
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A protester holds a sign to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis prior to the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at 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 prior to the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (David Berding/Getty Images)
A display of signs to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis prior to the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
The NBA postponed the Warriors-T’Wolves game scheduled for Saturday and pushed it 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 for Alex J. Pretti before tip-off.
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.
A moment of silence is held for Alex Jeffrey Pretti prior to the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
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The National Basketball Players Association also released a statement Sunday.
“Following the news of yet another fatal 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 prior to the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
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“The fraternity of NBA players, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties meant to protect us all. The NBPA and its members send our deepest condolences to the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and our thoughts on safety and our community remain focused.”
