(NewsNation) — The union that represents NBA players waded into the political fray Sunday and signaled support for protesters in Minnesota who are challenging the Trump administration over its immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
The NBA Players Association, in a brief statement, also extended its “deepest condolences” to the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two locals who were fatally shot this month by federal authorities in highly disputed incidents.
“Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice,” the NBPA said.
“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 that are meant to protect us all.”
The NBA postponed Saturday’s game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors at the Target Center in Minneapolis following Saturday’s fatal shooting of Pretti, citing safety. The 37-year-old VA nurse, a U.S. resident, was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, sparking a growing backlash against the Trump administration.
Although criticisms initially came from Democratic officials, a growing number of GOP members of Congress are calling for a deeper investigation into Pretti’s death. Department of Homeland Security officials, who have disparaged Pretti, say they are handling the probe exclusively.
The NBAPA statement did not mention the Trump administration or agencies under its control.
