this Minnesota Timberwolves Its players released a statement regarding rising anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tensions in Minneapolis.

ever Two deadly incidents in Minneapolis Tensions have risen over the operation in recent weeks with federal immigration agents clashing with anti-ICE demonstrators.

Like everyone in the Twin Cities, the Timberwolves have been affected by these events and they released a statement expressing “sincere sympathy and love to all.”

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Fans hold signs to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis before an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Burdine/Getty Images)

“We, the Minnesota Timberwolves players, extend our sincere sympathy and love to everyone in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota who has been impacted by the recent tragic events that have impacted our community,” the statement read. “Minnesota is strongest when we support and support each other, and there is no room for hatred or division between our great state or all of the people who live here.

“We mourn the lives lost and send strength, peace and compassion to all those hurt. We believe in the resilience, unity and caring of Minnesotans and bring our communities together in times of hardship and need.”

The Timberwolves postponed Saturday’s game against the Golden State Warriors after Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Veterans Affairs ICU nurse, was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent.

NBA Wolves vs. Warriors game starts with anti-ice protests

“This decision was made to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community,” NBA said, adding that the game will be played on Sunday.

The next day, NBA fans sent a message against ICE at Target Center, where signs read “ICE Stops Now.” Pretty held a moment of silence – the same one the Timberwolves observed following the earlier death of Renee Goode.

The team held a moment of silence for Goode, 37, who was operating a vehicle when agents ordered her to leave, according to the Homeland Security secretary. Christie Noem. Goode refused and “tried to run them over and hit them with her car,” according to Noem.

A moment of silence is observed for Alex Jeffrey Pretty before the start of the NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Burdine/Getty Images)

“Our hearts go out to her family and all those affected, and our hearts go out to our community as we hope for healing and unity during this challenging time,” said the Target Center’s public address announcer.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch also spoke before his team’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“As we all know, our community has suffered another unspeakable tragedy,” he said. “We just want to express our condolences, heartfelt wishes, prayers and thoughts to the family and loved ones and all those who have been greatly affected by what happened.”

The National Basketball Players Association also issued a statement on Sunday.

“NBA players can no longer remain silent following news of another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been at the forefront of the fight against injustice,” the league said. “Now more than ever we must defend our right to free speech and stand with the people of Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.

A demonstrator holds a sign to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis before an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Burdine/Getty Images)

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“The fraternity of NBA players, like America itself, is a community enriched by global citizenship, and we refuse to allow the flames of division to threaten the civil liberties designed to protect us all. The NBA Players Association and its members extend our deepest condolences to the families of Alex Pretty and Renee Goode, as our thoughts remain focused on the safety and well-being of all members of our community.”

Recent shootings fuel further protests in Twin Cities ICE activity surges as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and Ryan Mollick contributed to this report.

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