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Stewart's 'Abolish ICE' Protest Sparks Debate

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 1:14 GMT by Daily Mail
      Locales: Minnesota, Connecticut, Washington, UNITED STATES

Las Vegas, NV - February 1st, 2026 - WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart used her platform on Sunday to make a powerful and potentially divisive statement during the Aces-Mystics game, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with "Abolish ICE" and "Justice for Long So." The act, occurring amidst ongoing protests in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Hmong man Long So, underscores the increasingly prominent role of athlete activism and raises complex questions about the boundaries of acceptable protest within professional sports.

Long So was killed in a police shooting last week in Minneapolis, an incident that has quickly become a focal point for community outrage and demands for accountability. Details emerging in the wake of the shooting reveal that the officer involved, who has been placed on administrative leave, faced prior complaints - a fact fueling the demonstrators' concerns about systemic issues within the Minneapolis Police Department. Protests have continued for several days, with calls for transparency and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding So's death.

Stewart's decision to highlight So's case and directly call for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a significant escalation of athlete advocacy. The WNBA has long been at the forefront of social and political activism, with players consistently utilizing their visibility to champion causes ranging from racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights to gun control and gender equality. Players like Maya Moore and Sue Bird, before her retirement, were particularly vocal, establishing a precedent for using their platform to effect change. However, Stewart's message differs in its pointedness, specifically targeting a federal agency.

ICE has been a subject of intense scrutiny and protest for years, particularly under previous administrations, due to its policies surrounding immigration enforcement, family separations, and detention conditions. Calls to "Abolish ICE" stem from a belief that the agency is inherently inhumane and systemically flawed, advocating instead for a comprehensive overhaul of the immigration system with a focus on human rights and due process. Critics of ICE argue its actions contribute to the dehumanization of immigrants and disproportionately impact marginalized communities.

Stewart's statement immediately ignited a firestorm of discussion online and within sports media. Supporters applaud her courage in using her platform to raise awareness about both police brutality and the plight of immigrants. They point to a long tradition of athletes like Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick who faced repercussions for standing up for their beliefs. However, critics argue that her actions are inappropriate for a professional athlete, potentially alienating fans and damaging the WNBA's brand. Some have questioned the relevance of an ICE protest during a WNBA game, arguing it distracts from the athletic competition.

The WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces have yet to issue a formal statement regarding Stewart's protest. However, the league has historically allowed players to express their political views, often providing support for their activism. It remains to be seen whether the league will take any disciplinary action, which could set a precedent for future protests. The Players Association is expected to release a statement in support of Stewart, emphasizing the players' right to freedom of expression.

The incident also highlights the growing pressure on professional sports leagues to address social and political issues. Increasingly, fans - particularly younger generations - expect athletes to be more than just entertainers; they want them to be advocates for positive change. Leagues are grappling with how to balance the demands of social responsibility with the need to maintain a broad fan base and avoid alienating sponsors. This is particularly true in a polarized political climate where even seemingly neutral statements can be interpreted as taking sides.

Looking ahead, Stewart's protest is likely to spark further debate about the role of athletes in activism and the boundaries of acceptable protest. It will also undoubtedly influence the conversation surrounding police accountability and immigration reform. The incident serves as a potent reminder that professional sports are no longer separate from the social and political realities of the world - they are an integral part of it.