“I'm terrified. I'm questioning my own life” » One of the NBA's biggest stars criticized the actions of ICE agents
Article by David Istrate – Published on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 20:38 / Updated on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 20:49
Victor Wembanyama (22), the star of the San Antonio Spurs, a player who is considered the future of the North American basketball league (NBA), criticized the actions of ICE agents, saying that he is “horrified” by the news he reads every day.
In less than 3 weeks, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers fatally shot two people in Minneapolis, on Renee Good and Alex Prettiboth aged 37.
The two operations outraged civil society and the month of January was marked by massive protests in several American cities. US citizens accuse ICE agents of using excessive force to kill innocent people and call for the agency to be abolished.
Victor Wembanyama: “I will not sit here just to give a politically correct answer”
The protesters have the support of some American basketball stars, and the latest player to speak out on this topic is Victor Wembanyama, the superstar of the San Antonio Spurs.
“The PR tried, but I will not sit here just to give a politically correct answer. Every day I watch the news and I'm horrified. I think it's crazy that some people make it look or sound like it's acceptable, like killing civilians is acceptable“, said the Frenchman, quoted by ESPN.
“I read the news and sometimes I ask myself very deep questions about my own life. I am aware that saying everything that is on my mind will have a cost that is too great for me right now, so I would not go into too much detail,” Wemby added.
“It's terrible. I know I'm a foreigner but I live in this country and I'm worried”, concluded the basketball player with averages of 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 blocks.
Second incident in 3 weeks in which a citizen is shot and killed by an ICE officer/Photo: Imago Images
Guerschon Yabusele: “We are talking about crimes here, they are serious matters”
Guerschon Yabusele (30 years old)Wembanyama's compatriot, also wrote a message on X raising the alarm about what is happening in the United States.
“I can't stop thinking about the tragic events happening in Minnesota, and even though I'm French, I can't stay silent. What is happening is beyond my understanding. We are talking about crimes here, they are serious matters. The situation must change, the government must stop acting this way. I'm with Minnesota,” said the New York Knicks player, averaging 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds this season.
Other basketball players who have criticized ICE are Steph Curry, Tyrese Haliburton or Breanna Stewart. Also, several coaches, such as Steve Kerr, Doc Rivers or Chris Finch, had a similar opinion to that of the players.
