Wembanyama Voices Concern Over Fatal ICE Shootings

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama expressed deep concern over recent fatal shootings by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, telling reporters after practice on Tuesday that the incidents have left him horrified and prompted questions about his own life as a foreigner living in the United States.

The 22-year-old French native, who joined the NBA as the top draft pick in 2023, spoke candidly despite advice from his team's public relations staff to avoid the topic. "PR has tried, but I'm not going to sit here and give some politically correct answer," Wembanyama said. "Every day I wake up and see the news, and I'm horrified." He referenced the deaths of two U.S. citizens during encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, noting that eight people nationwide have died in such confrontations this year. Wembanyama described the events as unacceptable but held back on further details, saying that voicing everything on his mind could carry "a cost that's too great for me right now." When asked about his status as a non-citizen, he added, "I know I'm a foreigner. I live in this country, and I have concerns for sure."

The most recent incident involved Alex...