Brianna Stewart’s Statement at WNBA Game

During player introductions at the Vinyl vs. Mist Unrivaled game on Sunday, Brianna Stewart held up a sign that stated “Abolish ICE.” Stewart, who co-founded the league and is one of the WNBA’s most notable players, made this gesture following the tragic death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Preti, who was shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.

“Honestly, I was just really upset with everything I saw on Instagram and in the news yesterday,” Stewart shared with reporters. She felt compelled to send a clear message, saying, “We are really driven by hate, not love, right now, and we wanted to express something simple: ‘Abolish ICE.’ This means implementing policies that support families and communities, instead of fostering fear and violence.”

Stewart emphasized the importance of her message, noting that it resonated with her teammates and fans. She mentioned that the timing felt right for this statement.

Other players in the WNBA have also voiced their concerns regarding the violence, including Lynx star Nafeesa Collier, one of the game’s co-founders.

NBA player Tyrese Haliburton has also commented on the violent incidents in Minnesota via social media.

For Stewart, this issue hits close to home. Her wife, Marta Zargay, is a Spanish citizen and is currently pursuing U.S. citizenship. “We’re working on her citizenship. She’s a legal permanent resident, but that hardly seems to matter anymore,” Stewart explained. “This is why I believe we need reforms. Current policies don’t seem to target the right individuals and really don’t help anyone.”

Preti’s death occurred during a federal immigration raid in the Twin Cities. Witnesses captured footage of him, legally armed and holding a weapons permit, trying to shield a woman from being pushed by immigration officers. He was ultimately pepper-sprayed and thrown to the ground, and moments later, gunfire was heard after agents removed his weapon.