Breanna Stewart Speaks Out Against ICE in Unrivaled
Two-time WNBA MVP and Unrivaled co-founder Breanna Stewart expressed her stance on immigration issues during a sporting event.
Stewart displayed a sign that said “Abolish ICE” during player introductions on Sunday, a day after federal immigration agents caused a person’s death in Minneapolis.
“I was disgusted by everything I was seeing on Instagram and in the news,” Stewart commented on her decision to express her opinion.
Breanna Stewart
The player, who has won four NCAA championships with UConn and three WNBA titles with the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty, added that the situation deeply affects her, especially because her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, is a Spanish citizen and is in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.Stewart emphasized that the current situation, where hate seems to prevail over love, motivated her to send a clear message: “Abolish ICE”, which implies policies that support families and communities instead of fostering fear and violence.
«It’s terrifying. You see it on social media, you see how families are separated and communities disintegrate, and children are involved. It’s the worst in every way,» Stewart expressed. «Being married to Marta… we are working for her to obtain citizenship, and she is a legal permanent resident and all that. But it seems it doesn’t matter. And I think that’s why it’s necessary to implement these policies, for a reform to take place, because it doesn’t seem to be affecting the right people. It’s not helping anyone.»
Other WNBA players, such as Napheesa Collier, have also expressed their support for the protests in Minneapolis, which seek the removal of federal immigration agents from the city.
Paige Bueckers, after winning a free throw challenge at Unrivaled, donated a sum to support food security in her community.
Natisha Hiedeman, Lynx player, shared on Instagram her sorrow for the situation in Minnesota, highlighting the beauty of the community and her rejection of violence.
Brianna Turner, a member of the WNBPA executive committee, also spoke out, pointing out that the situation in Minneapolis could happen anywhere.
Before the start of the Unrivaled matches, a minute of silence was held in memory of the tragic events in Minnesota.
WNBA players have been activists for a long time, supporting social reform and participating in political campaigns.
Stewart highlighted the importance of helping the community, especially in times of crisis, and of advocating for policy changes.
Additionally, Stewart mentioned that, despite ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, their respective teams support them.
