NBA All-Star Is Latest Public Figure To Condemn ICE, Says Agents 'Murdered' Man In Minneapolis

NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton is the latest athlete to speak out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following the second fatal shooting to rock Minnesota.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen, was shot and killed on Saturday, January 24, 2026, by ICE agents in Minneapolis after other officers said the individual approached them with a gun.

Videos of the incident appear to contradict what ICE officials are reporting, sparking intensified pushback from major public figures, including athletes, pop stars, and government officials.

Pretti was shot on Saturday morning near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street in Minneapolis at around 9:00 AM local time, according to BBC. Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol commander, addressed the shooting and claimed Pretti approached his agents with a "9mm semi-automatic" firearm while they were performing an immigration operation.

Videos of the incident show officers spraying Pretti with a substance after he appeared to get in between an agent and a woman. Another video shows agents taking Pretti to the ground and striking his head before another officer opens fire.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and sent a wave of sadness washing over individuals, who expressed outrage over the fatal shooting. Indiana Pacers All-Star Haliburton was one of them, who simply wrote on X: "Alex Pretti was murdered."

Following the shooting, DHS shared an image of a firearm they said belonged to Pretti. Later, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem failed to clarify whether Pretti was actually brandishing a gun, an account video and eyewitnesses seem to contradict.

"Individuals showed up to impede a law enforcement operation and assaulted our officers," Noem said. "They responded according to their training, and took action to defend the officer's life and those of the public around him. And, I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign."

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appeared to reject the Trump administration's claims with a statement of his own, thanking "God" for the video of the horrifying incident. "... because, according to DHS, these seven heroic guys took an onslaught of a battalion against them or something. It's nonsense, people. It is nonsense, and it's lies," he continued.

In the videos of the incident, while Pretti does appear to get into an altercation with ICE agents, no gun is visible in the footage, according to BBC.

Pretti's family spoke with US news outlets and pleaded for the "truth" about their son to be told, remembering him as a "kindhearted soul" who loved those around him.

"We are heartbroken but also very angry," the statement read. "The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting."

Pretti, a nurse, wanted to make the world a better place, according to his family. "Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man," the statement finished.

NBA fans shared shocked reactions to Haliburton's statement, given that the Iowa State alum is rarely political, according to the Indy Star.

"Always respected you as a player, happy to respect you as a man," someone wrote on X. "Thank you for this."

"World needs more leaders like you," another shared. "Thank you for using your voice and strength for our communities. We have your back."

"Tyrese Haliburton stan for life," a third wrote. "The first NBA player to speak out on what's happening."

"Tyrese Haliburton is everything a star should be off the court," a fourth posted.

According to The Blast, Haliburton isn't the only NBA figure to speak out about what's occurred in Minneapolis since the beginning of 2026.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared a sentiment similar to Haliburton's days before Pretti's shooting while speaking with the media about the fatal shooting of Renee Good, another US citizen shot and killed by ICE during an immigration operation.

Before the Warriors' matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team held a moment of silence for Good and her family. Kerr commended the gesture, calling the shooting "shameful."