WNBA Superstar's Powerful Protest Against Immigration Enforcement
Future Basketball Hall of Famer Breanna Stewart made a bold political statement during her introduction at an Unrivaled competition in Florida on Sunday, holding an 'Abolish ICE' sign in protest against federal immigration policies. The demonstration came just days after federal immigration agents killed a second protester in Minneapolis, sparking widespread outrage across the sporting community.
Personal Connection Fuels Stewart's Activism
'Really all day yesterday, I was just disgusted from everything that you see on Instagram and in the news,' Stewart, the Unrivaled co-founder and two-time WNBA MVP, told reporters about her decision to protest President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. The New York Liberty star revealed that her protest carries deep personal significance, as her Spanish wife Marta Xargay Casademont continues working toward US citizenship.
'It's scary. You see it on social media, you see it splitting up families and dissecting communities and kids are being involved. It's the worst in all ways,' Stewart explained. 'And to be married to Marta ... we're working to get her citizenship, and she is a legal permanent resident and all of that, but it seems like it doesn't matter.'
The basketball champion emphasized that her message was about promoting positive change rather than division. 'We're so fueled by hate right now instead of love, so I wanted to have a simple message of 'Abolish ICE,' which means having policies to uplift families and communities instead of fueling fear and violence.'
Minnesota Sports Community Reels from Tragedy
Stewart's protest coincided with profound grief within Minnesota's sporting community following the deaths of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal immigration officers. The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to the court on Sunday after postponing their game against the Golden State Warriors, but the atmosphere remained somber and distracted.
'Their group was suffering. The vibe in the stands, it was one of the most bizarre, sad games I've ever been a part of,' Warriors coach Steve Kerr remarked after his team's 111-85 victory. 'You could feel the somber atmosphere. Their team, you could tell they were struggling with everything that's been going on and what the city has been through.'
Timberwolves Coach Expresses Community Heartbreak
Before the game, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch delivered an emotional statement reflecting the team's collective pain. 'I'm more than a resident. This is my home. I love living here. I love being a part of this community,' said Finch, whose voice cracked with emotion. 'It's sad to watch what is happening.'
The coach, known for his straightforward approach, revealed that the Timberwolves had pushed for the game's postponement to respect the public grieving process. 'Playing basketball just didn't feel like the right thing to do,' Finch admitted, thanking both the NBA and Warriors for their understanding and support.
Widespread Sporting Community Response
The sporting world's reaction extended far beyond the basketball court. The NBA Players Association issued a statement supporting Minnesota protests and encouraging members to speak out. Former Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns posted condolences for the families of Good and Pretti, stating, 'This moment demands that we reflect honestly on what our values truly are.'
The Timberwolves joined Minnesota's four other major league men's sports teams in signing a letter with over sixty local company CEOs, calling for 'immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.'
Coaches Reflect on National Division
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, one of the NBA's most outspoken figures, addressed the broader national context during his remarks. 'People are so angry. There should be an appeal to our better angels to look after one another and to recognize what's happening,' Kerr observed. 'We're being divided by media for profit, by misinformation. There's so much out there that is really difficult for all of us to sort of reconcile.'
Kerr added, 'In times like these you have to lean on values and who you are and who you want to be, either as an individual or a country.'
Players Express Community Solidarity
Timberwolves players, while acknowledging they weren't deeply versed in the political details, expressed strong support for their community. Star player Anthony Edwards stated, 'I just love Minnesota, all the love and support that they show me. So I'm behind whatever they're with. Me and my family are definitely praying for everybody.'
Teammate Julius Randle echoed similar sentiments, saying, 'I'm not political at all. I don't get into any of that stuff, but it's tough, regardless of whatever is going on. Somebody loses their life, you never want to see that.'
Growing Immigration Enforcement Operation
The protests and sporting community responses come amid significant expansion of federal immigration enforcement. The Trump administration launched what the Department of Homeland Security described as the largest immigration enforcement operation in history in December, with a recent surge pushing officer numbers past 2,000.
The NBA cited community safety concerns when postponing the Timberwolves-Warriors game, noting that Pretti was killed during a confrontation less than two miles from the Target Center arena. Tens of thousands of protesters had swarmed downtown Minneapolis on Friday, with smaller marches continuing through the weekend.
As athletes like Breanna Stewart use their platforms to call for policy reform, and sports organizations navigate their role in community crises, the intersection of sports and immigration policy continues to generate powerful responses across the American sporting landscape.
