The National Basketball Players’ Association (NBPA) has voiced its support for protesters opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Minneapolis. The association released a statement highlighting a commitment to speak out, criticizing law enforcement’s efforts to capture illegal and violent offenders as fostering “division.”

This announcement follows the NBA’s decision to postpone the Minnesota Timberwolves versus Golden State Warriors game, originally set for Saturday, after an incident involving federal agents and a protester who was armed. The individual involved in the shooting has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, aged 37.

The NBPA’s depiction of Minneapolis as a pivotal location in battling injustices appears to nod to the 2020 killing of George Floyd, an event that triggered widespread protests across the nation.

While the NBPA describes those targeted by ICE as “global citizens” who enhance American society, earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released data indicating the recent capture of numerous illegal immigrants wanted for serious crimes, including violent sexual offenses against children and drug trafficking, all within a 24-hour period.

The player’s association’s characterization of Minneapolis as a city “at the forefront of the fight against injustices” seems to be a reference to the 2020 death of George Floyd. This incident set off months of rioting across the country.

While the NBPA characterizes the illegal immigrants being pursued by immigration, customs, and enforcement officers (ICE) as “global citizens” who only “enrich” our country, earlier this week Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials released a list showing the apprehension of a large number of illegal aliens wanted for violent sexual assaults on children in addition to drug trafficking and several other felonious offenses in just 24 hours.