Victor Wembanyama Speaks Out After ICE-Related Shootings: “I’m Horrified”
Written by b87fm on 01/29/2026
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama says he is deeply disturbed by a series of fatal shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, including two recent deaths in Minnesota.
The 21-year-old NBA standout addressed the issue during a post-practice press conference Tuesday (Jan. 27), acknowledging that he debated whether to speak publicly at all. Still, Wembanyama made clear that he could not stay silent.
“PR has tried, but I’m not going to sit here and give some politically correct answer,” Wembanyama told reporters at the Victory Capital Performance Center, according to ESPN. “Every day I wake up and see the news, and I’m horrified. I think it’s crazy that some people might make it seem like or sound like the murder of civilians is acceptable.”
His comments follow several high-profile killings involving ICE agents. On New Year’s Eve, an off-duty ICE agent in Los Angeles fatally shot Keith Porter Jr., a Black man, during an incident involving celebratory gunfire. More recently, Renee Good and Alex Pretti were both shot and killed in Minneapolis by ICE agents. Investigations into all three cases are ongoing, and no charges have been filed.
Wembanyama, who is from France and joined the NBA in 2023, admitted that the situation has forced him to reflect on his own life and safety in the United States.
“I read the news and sometimes I’m asking very deep questions about my own life,” he said. “But I’m conscious also that saying everything that’s on my mind would have a cost that’s too great for me right now. So I’d rather not get into too many details.”
The Spurs center also acknowledged fears of backlash for addressing such a politically charged topic.
“It’s terrible,” he said. “I know I’m a foreigner. I live in this country, and I have concerns for sure. I think there’s enough detail there for now.”
Wembanyama’s remarks came shortly after the National Basketball Players Association released a statement saying players can “no longer remain silent” in response to recent events. He is also the second French-born NBA player to speak out this week. On Monday, New York Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele shared a post on X condemning the killings and expressing solidarity with Minnesota.
“I can’t stop thinking about the tragic events unfolding in Minnesota,” Yabusele wrote. “What’s happening is beyond comprehension. We’re talking about murders here.”
Wembanyama praised Yabusele for speaking out, noting that public statements can come with consequences.
“I’m always proud of people speaking their minds,” he said. “But each and every one of us has to decide the price we’re willing to pay.”
