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Alexa Philippou
Breanna Stewart, co-founder of Unrivaled and a two-time WNBA MVP, displayed an “Abolish ICE” sign during player introductions at Unrivaled on Sunday, just a day after federal immigration agents took the life of a second individual in Minneapolis this month.
Stewart expressed her feelings by stating, “I was just really disgusted by everything I saw on Instagram and in the news yesterday,” highlighting that “everyone here [at Unrivaled] shares that sentiment, one way or another.”
“We’re currently driven by hate rather than love, so I wanted a straightforward message: ‘Abolish ICE’—to advocate for policies that support families and communities rather than instilling fear and violence.”
A four-time NCAA champion at UConn and three-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty, Stewart mentioned that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions against immigrants resonate personally, especially since her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, is a Spanish citizen still in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.
“We’re currently driven by hate rather than love, so I wanted a straightforward message: ‘Abolish ICE’—to advocate for policies that support families and communities rather than instilling fear and violence.”
Breanna Stewart
Stewart remarked, “It’s alarming. You see it on social media, how it tears families apart and disrupts communities, even affecting children. It’s devastating in every aspect.” She added, “Being married to Marta… we’re in the process of securing her citizenship; she’s a legal permanent resident. But it feels like that doesn’t matter. That’s why we need reforms—these policies aren’t addressing the right issues and aren’t helping anyone.”
Other WNBA players, including steering committee member Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, have voiced their support for the thousands of protesters in Minneapolis advocating for the removal of federal immigration agents.
Paige Bueckers, the 2025 No. 1 pick and Minnesota native, pledged to match her $50,000 winnings from an Unrivaled free throw challenge in donations to the Hopkins Strong Relief Fund, supporting food security in her local community.
“Sending love and prayers to Minnesota,” wrote Natisha Hiedeman, a guard with the Lynx for two seasons, in an Instagram story. “Minnesota is a beautiful place with an amazing community that has welcomed me wholeheartedly, and I am heartbroken to see ICE turning the city upside down and resorting to violence. There is no justification for this.”
Brianna Turner, a member of the WNBPA’s executive committee, shared: “My thoughts are continually with the residents of Minneapolis suffering through this politically charged ICE invasion. There’s nothing beneficial about improperly trained federal agents profiling individuals and antagonizing communities. If this can happen there, it can happen anywhere.”
Before the Saturday Unrivaled games, there was a moment of silence, where the public address announcer remarked, “Let’s take a moment to reflect on the recent tragic events in Minnesota. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we express our deepest condolences to those who have lost a loved one.” also, Unrivaled released a statement on Sunday, emphasizing, “In this time of sorrow, we choose compassion and unity.”
WNBA players have a history of engaging in activism, notably in 2020, when they dedicated their “bubble” season to social justice efforts and provided support for Raphael Warnock’s senatorial campaign.
“I think it’s crucial to do whatever you can to assist your community,” Stewart asserted. “While Minnesota is currently in the spotlight, crises occur in many cities, and it’s vital to reach out to the right individuals—your local councilperson, mayor, governor—and genuinely advocate for policy changes, recognizing it won’t happen overnight.”
“How many times do we have to witness these issues repeatedly? We must leverage our platform to effect change and strive to save lives.”
Stewart noted that despite ongoing tensions as players and the league negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement, “our respective teams are backing us and supporting our cause.”
“While we might not agree on everything, we understand that they support our platform, and we will continue to fight in every way possible until we reach a final agreement,” she concluded.
