The Golden State Warriors traveled to Minneapolis over the weekend for a two-game matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the teams splitting the series.
The first game, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed until Sunday after a deadly shooting involving a U.S. Border Patrol agent left 37-year-old Alex Pretti dead. The NBA said the decision to delay the game was made out of concern for public safety in the Minneapolis area.
The incident was the second fatal encounter tied to immigration enforcement activity in the city this month. Earlier, 37-year-old Renee Good also died during a separate incident, raising renewed public attention on federal immigration operations in the region.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had previously labeled Good’s death a “murder,” and following Monday night’s game against Minnesota, he again addressed the situation, describing the previous days in Minneapolis as “disturbing.”
Kerr said he sympathized with residents affected by the unrest and expressed hope that protests taking place in Minneapolis and other cities would lead to changes in immigration policy.
“We have a lot of empathy for the people here,” Kerr said. “We’re hopeful that what’s happening will eventually lead to better solutions.”
Kerr then sharply criticized federal immigration enforcement tactics, arguing that the issue should be resolved through legislation rather than law enforcement actions.
“Immigration is a real problem that needs to be addressed,” Kerr said. “But it should be handled by Congress through laws, not by force in communities or pulling people from their homes.”
The Minnesota Timberwolves observed moments of silence during the weekend games to honor both Good and Pretti. Outside the arena, demonstrators protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement gathered ahead of Sunday’s contest.
The National Basketball Players Association also issued a statement following the shooting, signaling continued political engagement from players and league leadership.
In its statement, the players’ union said athletes could no longer remain silent, emphasizing support for protesters and framing the demonstrations as part of a broader debate over civil liberties and freedom of expression.
The union highlighted the NBA’s international makeup and offered condolences to the families of both victims, while also expressing concern for public safety in Minneapolis.
As the league, its players, and coaches increasingly weigh in on national policy debates, critics argue the NBA is moving further away from sports and deeper into political activism—reviving long-standing concerns among fans who believe professional athletics should remain focused on the game rather than partisan issues.
