Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner and WNBA legend Sue Bird are among the latest athletes speaking out against ICE. On Thursday, the athlete advocacy group Athletes for Impact released an open letter titled “ICE OUT,” which was endorsed by Griner, Bird, and roughly 60 other female sports figures. Prominent names on the list included New York Liberty forwards Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Megan Rapinoe, as well as college athletes like Nebraska volleyball’s Harper Murray and UCLA basketball guard Kiki Rice.
The letter highlighted ongoing issues with federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and across the country, pointing to instances of fatal shootings, fear, and trauma caused by excessive and unlawful actions. It emphasized that safety becomes vulnerable when power is unchecked. The statement called for policies that support and empower communities rather than inciting fear and violence, summarizing their demand with the phrase “ICE OUT.”
As criticism of ICE’s practices grows, these athletes are voicing their concerns loudly. Breanna Stewart, after publicly opposing ICE, stated, “We are so fueled right now by hate, not love, that I wanted to send a simple message: ‘Abolish ICE.’ That means having policies that uplift families and communities, not incite fear and violence.” Paige Bueckers, a Minnesota native and Dallas Wings guard, reflected on her home state by saying, “I’m from there, so it’s a little nostalgic. What’s happening is not okay. We hope and pray that this situation changes from where it’s headed.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brittney Griner, Sue Bird among female sports stars call out ICE
Fan Take: This strong stance by prominent WNBA stars highlights how athletes are leveraging their platforms to advocate for social justice, a trend that resonates deeply with fans who value activism. It shows that the WNBA is not just about basketball but also a space where important societal issues are addressed, potentially inspiring the next generation of players and supporters to stay engaged both on and off the court.
