Karl-Anthony Towns speaks up after latest ICE shooting

New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns called for transparency, protections and accountability after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot and killed another U.S. citizen in Minnesota. 

Towns, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, spent the first nine seasons of his All-Star career with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

ICE agents shot former ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday during a protest in Minneapolis. Pretti’s shooting happened less than three weeks after ICE agents shot and killed Renée Good. 

Towns, who is the son of a Dominican mother and African American father, is the first major Latino athlete to speak publicly against ICE’s tactics.

‘Heartbreaking to witness’

“What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness,” Towns wrote on the social media account A. “These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people. 

“This moment demands that we reflect honestly on what our values truly are. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the families of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. I stand with the people of Minnesota.”

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Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry and Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards also spoke out over the weekend. The Warriors were set to play the Timberwolves on Saturday before their game was postponed by a day after the shooting death.

“You can kind of feel it when we got here two days ago,” Curry said. “The protests going on downtown were amazing to watch—the turnout, the peaceful protest, the unified voice—and you feel like that could turn the tide in a more positive direction.”

What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness. These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people. This moment demands that we reflect honestly on…

— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) January 26, 2026

“A lot of change needs to happen, and when you’re here, you feel it. I was glued to the TV yesterday when we weren’t playing, watching the coverage, understanding what was going on, and trying to get knowledgeable about it. Hopefully, the community comes together and the right decisions are made so there’s a more peaceful environment here.”

Edwards expressed support for the people of Minnesota.

Edwards ‘praying’ for Minnesotans

“I just love Minnesota, all the love and support that they show me,” he said. “So I’m behind whatever they (are) with. I don’t really have social media, so I’m not in tune with everything. But I’ve heard about the stuff that’s going on. Me and my family (are) definitely praying for everybody.”

President Donald Trump has sent 3,000 ICE agents into Minnesota. Thousands of Minnesotans have protested against ICE agents and rallied their community with whistles to let their neighbors know when ICE agents are present.    

Towns, 30, is one of the most respected Latino stars in the U.S. He, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and Hornung Award winner KC Concepcion were named Our Esquina’s 2025 Latino Athletes of the Year for their excellence in their sport, leadership and contributions in the community.

In 2024, Towns was named the NBA’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion.