On Operation Metro Surge, our pro sports owners choked. Here’s how they can redeem themselves.

While masked, federal agents occupied our state, killed citizens, and disappeared members of our community, Minnesota pro sports team owners stayed on the sidelines. This unprecedented moment demands more of the team owners. 

It’s with (probably unwarranted) love and dedication that we, the fans, demand more of the owners of the teams we love and support. We’re there through wins and losses, a lot of losses,  and need them to stand with the community in our current moment. That’s why we are asking them to join us and demand that ICE get out of our state, out of their stadiums, and out of any other businesses that they own in the state.  

Team owners signed on to  a notoriously tepid letter from Minnesota-based companies, which was little more than a word salad of little substance. If they think that’s some profile in courage, they are gravely mistaken. The letter cites “recent challenges facing our state” and calls for an “immediate de-escalation of tensions.” 

“Recent challenges” hardly describe the brutality and trauma of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.

While neighbors banded together to protect the community, literally putting their lives on the line, the companies that generate billions from hard-working Minnesotans mustered the courage to sign on to a letter. 

When asked at TwinsFest about what the Twins ownership was doing to protect the community, Twins Executive Chair Tom Pohlad said, “I want to be careful to not necessarily take sides, so to speak.” 

If your family owns the beloved Minnesota Twins, you absolutely have a responsibility to take sides when the community is being attacked, kidnapped, and killed. By refusing to demand ICE out of Minnesota, you’re normalizing the awful, abhorrent behavior displayed by ICE and other federal agents occupying our state. 

As Desmond Tutu said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

To be clear, we appreciate all of the current and former athletes and coaches who have spoken out, and for actions like the Timberwolves cancelling their game the day Alex Pretti was killed and holding a moment of silence for him at their next game.

Former Timberwolves player Karl-Anthony Towns tweeted, “These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people.” 

Vikings legend John Randle posted on Instagram, “Many fans have been scared of backlash, losing friends or followers, but I am saying clearly: I am NOT okay with people being taken from their homes and families being ripped apart. I am NOT okay with people being denied due process. I am NOT okay with reckless violence condoned by the Trump Administration. I am NOT okay with people being murdered in their own communities. I love Minnesota and stand with my entire community. #iceout”

Now it’s time for the Minnesota Twins and every Minnesota pro team to find the courage to speak up for their communities when we’re under attack. 

They can start by issuing a statement that calls for: 

1. Bringing home everyone who was illegally taken to other states, including the children imprisoned in horrible conditions in places like Texas.
2. Dropping charges against the peaceful constitutional observers and prosecute ICE and federal agents for illegal practices during the operation.
3. Stopping funding for an ICE agency that has proven violent and unaccountable. 
4. Supporting for the small businesses and workers who are facing hardship, evictions and closures because of the attacks on our state.
5. No new increased cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE, also known as 287(g) agreements.

The teams also need to take steps to protect their fans and workers from ICE activities on team properties, from stadiums to practice facilities. The L.A. Dodgers did so in August of 2025, after the community demanded action following the sight of ICE vehicles circling the stadium parking lot. 

Critically, this also includes protecting workers at other companies operated by the owners, like the Pohlad’s United Properties. People have sent over 3,000 letters calling on United Properties to demand an end to the ICE occupation of Minnesota and to ensure basic Fourth Amendment protections for workers on their job sites, yet the Pohlads have yet to speak out about the role that United Properties can play in making real and lasting changes.

We know sports are an escape from reality, which is why all of the signers of this letter have spent countless hours and dollars supporting our amazing Minnesota teams. 

But you can’t “escape reality” or “just dribble” if children are being taken, families torn apart illegally and Minnesotans are being gunned down in the streets. It’s time our Minnesota sports team stand with the brave people of Minnesota and demand justice and safety for their fans and state.