In a moment of silence for Alex Pretti, the ICU nurse killed by federal agents under dubious circumstances in Minneapolis, spectators at the Minnesota Timberwolves game let their voices be heard loud and clear on Sunday.
“Fuck ICE,” many screamed, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The brief memorial began with an announcement as Pretti’s photo appeared on the scoreboard.
“Target Center, we are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Alex Pretti that occurred yesterday in Minneapolis,” the public address announcer said. “We extend our love, support and heartfelt sympathies to Alex’s family, friends and our community during this difficult time.”
It was then that silence was requested. After several seconds, Pretti’s image went dark on the jumbotron, and the impassioned expletives flew.
It was not the only demonstration during the game, which the Warriors won, 111-85.
In the second quarter, fans chanted “ICE out!” in a video shared by Warriors reporter Joseph Dycus. They also held up “ICE OUT” signs at the arena.
David Berding via Getty Images
The Timberwolves dunk squad also wore “ICE Out” T-shirts as they performed their acrobatic slams, as this video showed.
The game was played after being delayed a day because of Pretti’s killing by the Border Patrol.
Protests have multiplied in the wake of agents’ fatal shootings of Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis. The Trump administration deployed ICE and U.S. Border Patrol to the state over the objections of Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The administration has seemingly sought to blame the killings on the victims and cast them as domestic terrorists, but eyewitness reports and video do not appear to support their claims.
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