Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr issued an apology after comments he made criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a recent team trip to Minneapolis.
The controversy followed Kerr’s remarks amid ongoing unrest in Minneapolis that began on January 7 after the death of anti-ICE agitator Renee Good, who was shot while attempting to run over an ICE agent.
Violence escalated again on January 24, when Alex Pretti was shot during an encounter in which he was attacking federal agents and attempting to draw a handgun.
A scheduled game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Warriors was postponed following the January 24 incident and the unrest that followed.
When the game was later made up on January 26, the Timberwolves organization honored Pretti with a moment of silence.
Kerr addressed that tribute during a postgame press conference, making comments that quickly drew attention.
“It’s not like they’re rooting out violent criminals,” Kerr told reporters.
“They’re taking 5-year-old kindergartners and U.S. citizens and detaining people.”
WATCH:
“It’s not like [ICE] is rooting out violent criminals. They’re taking 5-year old kindergartners.”
– Golden State Warriors HC Steve KerrSteve Kerr is pushing a nefarious lie*, and being extremely hypocritical because he has also said “We're being divided by media for profit, by… pic.twitter.com/ZOX8EVh7G0
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) January 28, 2026
Kerr’s remarks were part of a broader discussion in which he criticized how immigration enforcement was being carried out.
He described the events in Minneapolis as “shameful,” while suggesting that agents had intentionally killed Pretti.
The comments circulated widely in media reports and on social platforms, prompting pushback over their accuracy.
ICE has conducted operations targeting individuals with criminal records, including those involved in serious offenses.
Data from the Deportation Data Project has found that at least a third of individuals currently held in ICE custody have criminal records tied to illegal entry.
Ahead of a home game on Friday, Kerr was asked to address his earlier remarks.
He acknowledged the error and apologized.
“You’re right, I definitely misspoke, and I knew that ICE was arresting some criminals,” Kerr said.
“I immediately regretted it because I knew that to be the case.”
He added that his broader concern remained about enforcement tactics but conceded that his earlier statement was inaccurate.
“My point is that they’re also arresting people and detaining citizens and people who should not be being detained,” Kerr said.
“The manner in which they’re doing it, as you see, is riling everybody up all over the country.
“Being in Minneapolis for those four days was incredibly emotional and powerful.
“It was a very difficult time for all of us.
“At the end of those four days, it was a pretty emotional time.
“I misspoke,” he added.
“I apologize for the misinformation.
“I hope everybody else out there who’s saying stuff that’s not true, please apologize, too.
“All right, let’s talk about basketball.”
WATCH:
Warriors coach Steve Kerr apologizes for saying ICE didn’t arrest criminals, says he spread misinformation when questioned by @Outkick’s @AlejandroAveela about his Minnesota comments. Good for him, good for Outkick for asking this question. pic.twitter.com/uzYNqN9RgF
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 31, 2026
Kerr’s apology came after sustained criticism that his initial remarks overstated ICE’s actions and fueled misinformation during an already volatile moment.
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.