US Athletes Raise Alarm Over Escalating State Violence and Emerging Fascism
Prominent American sports figures are speaking out against what they perceive as a dangerous shift towards authoritarianism and state-sanctioned violence across the United States. Following the public killing of nurse Alex Pretti by Department of Homeland Security officials in Minneapolis, athletes from various disciplines have expressed profound concern about the direction of the nation.
The Minneapolis Catalyst and Nationwide Pattern
The incident involving Alex Pretti, described by Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton as a public execution, has become a focal point for athlete activism. This event occurred within the context of Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, which reportedly accounted for two-thirds of the city's homicides in 2026. The pattern extends beyond Minnesota, with DHS reporting over 622,000 deportations in 2025 alongside numerous deaths in ICE custody, marking the agency's deadliest year in over two decades.
An October 2025 investigation further revealed disturbing patterns of sexual assault and forced labour targeting transgender and queer detainees at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center. These developments have created what athletes describe as a climate of fear and repression affecting communities nationwide.
Athlete Responses and Community Solidarity
Former Harvard and USC basketball star McKenzie Forbes expressed unequivocal condemnation, stating: "I am sickened and outraged by the most recent public executions carried out by the state in Minnesota. I think it is representative of the current state of our country that these government officials act with such audacity and impunity in broad daylight. Fascism is here now."
Two-time MLB All-Star Sean Doolittle, who won the World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019, echoed these concerns while drawing historical parallels. "What we're seeing play out in our cities feels like the natural progression of militarizing our police forces," Doolittle observed, noting similarities with past law enforcement violence in Black and Brown communities.
Former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin Jr., while acknowledging the bleakness of the current moment, emphasised the importance of community resilience. "History gives us a blueprint of how to combat these challenges. In my humble opinion, love, discipline, and endurance towards the struggles currently, and the ones that may or may not come, is what will be necessary," Baldwin reflected.
The Role of Athletes in Political Discourse
The athletes expressed differing perspectives on their responsibility to speak out. Forbes asserted that "athletes 100% have a responsibility to speak out against state repression as we have plenty of eyes on us at all times," while Baldwin took a more nuanced approach, suggesting that contribution to collective consciousness represents an individual choice.
Doolittle, now coaching with the Washington Nationals, highlighted the particular vulnerability of international athletes. "It breaks my heart that I can't keep them safe from getting caught up in these federal operations once they leave the ballpark; that their families can't visit because it's too dangerous," he shared, noting the impending arrival of global athletes for events like the World Baseball Classic and Olympics.
Community Resistance and Future Implications
Despite the grim circumstances, the athletes pointed to signs of hope in community organising. Doolittle described witnessing "community organizers, rapid responders, legal observers, random neighbors and bystanders coming together and stepping up" in response to DHS enforcement surges. Stories emerged of neighbours assisting with school runs, grocery shopping, and pet care for at-risk community members, demonstrating grassroots solidarity.
Baldwin characterised the current period as "another pivotal moment in our human history," emphasising that individual actions would determine the path forward. The athletes' collective message underscores growing concern about civil liberties, state power, and the future of American democracy among those in the public eye.
As international sporting events approach, bringing global attention to American cities, these athlete perspectives highlight how political tensions are permeating all aspects of society, including the traditionally apolitical world of professional sports.
