Doc Rivers Criticizes ICE Actions in Chicago
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has voiced strong opposition to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Chicago, coinciding with the team’s upcoming game against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.
Rivers, who hails from Chicago, labeled the federal law enforcement actions as “absolutely egregious,” according to The Athletic.
“That’s concerning,” he expressed during a pregame press conference. “I’m trying, you know? People are caught up in this, and it’s terrible to witness. This isn’t what our country represents. It’s just not us.”
Rivers didn’t stop there. He also commended Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s efforts, despite the mayor’s approval rating being the lowest among all mayors in the U.S.
“I think the mayor has done a great job in everything he has said,” Rivers remarked. “This situation is starting to divide us, which I really dislike. You can’t be pro-civil rights and also anti-white. It seems like it’s heading in that direction, which is just wrong. If this were happening to Ukrainian immigrants, I believe people of all backgrounds should stand up against it. It’s just not right.”
After making that pointed analogy, Rivers shared that his late father, a police officer from the Chicago suburb of Maywood, would have disagreed with former President Trump’s immigration policies.
“I think every American wants to see criminals arrested,” Rivers said passionately. “My father was a police officer, and he wouldn’t have been proud of this situation. I can’t imagine him going to work now, defending ICE agents. He’d probably call in sick.”
Rivers also accused ICE and Trump of attempting to “stir unrest.” He noted, somewhat inconsistently, that there seems to be an intention behind it, reiterating his personal connections to the area. “You have to drive from Maywood to Broadview. It feels almost purposeful, like trying to cause unrest. It used to be peaceful, and now… well, it isn’t,” Rivers commented, without acknowledging that some protests have contributed to the issues in Broadview.
He further reflected on the need for a solution, claiming, “Protesting is legal, and people should protest. But it’s escalating, and I don’t know, maybe it’s Antifa?”
Rivers indicated that he aligns with the far-left’s argument regarding Antifa, saying, “Does anyone truly know what it is? I looked it up, and there seemed to be 15 different definitions. Yet, there are groups like the Proud Boys, and nobody seems to hold them accountable. It’s just so disgusting.”
He finished his remarks by asserting, “This shouldn’t be a race issue; it should be a moral issue for our country. It’s not about blacks and whites; it’s about uniting to fight for what’s right.”
