Steve Kerr Apologizes for Incorrect Claims About ICE Operations

Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors head coach, issued an apology Friday night for spreading misinformation about federal immigration enforcement operations, acknowledging he “misspoke” during comments made earlier in the week.

The controversy began when Kerr, following a Monday night loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis, claimed that federal immigration agents were not “rooting out violent criminals” but instead “taking 5-year-old kindergartners and U.S. citizens and detaining people.”

When questioned directly by OutKick about these statements during Friday’s pregame session at Chase Center, Kerr admitted his error.

“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. My point is that they’re also arresting people and detaining citizens and people who should not be being detained.”

The apology came with a touch of irony, as just days earlier, Kerr had warned about the dangers of misinformation and how a “for-profit” news cycle was dividing the country. Within 24 hours of making those statements, he found himself at the center of a misinformation controversy.

Kerr’s original comments referred to the case of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, whose detention had made headlines. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) quickly disputed Kerr’s characterization of the incident.

According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, agents were attempting to arrest the boy’s father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who allegedly fled on foot and left the child alone in a running vehicle during sub-freezing temperatures. McLaughlin explained that agents tried to place the child with his mother, who reportedly refused to take custody despite assurances she would not be arrested. Agents said they took the child into custody for his safety.

Further contradicting Kerr’s initial assertion was the recent release of Operation Metro Surge records, which documented arrests of convicted murderers, sex offenders, and other violent criminals during the same period Kerr referenced.

The coach acknowledged the emotional context surrounding his comments, noting that the team’s four-day stay in Minneapolis had been “incredibly emotional and powerful” and “a very difficult time for all of us.”

“I misspoke, and I apologize for the misinformation,” Kerr said, before adding with a hint of challenge to others in the public sphere, “I hope everybody else out there who’s saying stuff that’s not true, please apologize, too.”

Immigration enforcement has become an increasingly contentious political issue in recent years, with debates intensifying around enforcement priorities, treatment of detainees, and the targeting of undocumented immigrants without criminal records versus those with serious criminal histories.

For Kerr, who has established himself as one of the more outspoken coaches in professional sports on social and political issues, this incident represents a noteworthy moment of public correction. Throughout his coaching career with the Warriors, Kerr has frequently voiced his opinions on matters ranging from gun control to racial justice, making his public platform extend well beyond basketball.

Sports figures like Kerr wield significant influence through their public statements, particularly on divisive political topics. This incident underscores the responsibility that comes with such platforms and the importance of factual accuracy when addressing complex and sensitive issues.

By acknowledging his error and correcting the record, Kerr demonstrated a willingness to hold himself to the same standards of truthfulness that he has advocated for others. As he concluded his apology, Kerr attempted to refocus attention on his primary role, saying simply, “All right, let’s talk about basketball.”