Filmmaker and die-hard Knicks fan Spike Lee has drawn a hard line against federal immigration authorities, stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not be welcome at any celebrations should the New York Knicks clinch the NBA Finals championship.
In an interview with Andscape posted Sunday on YouTube, Lee didn't mince words. "If the Knicks, when we win, whether it's home or away, there's going to be such — it's going to be bananas, it's going to be craziness, it's going to be love and NYPD can't control that, the Marines, National Guard. Just don't bring in the motherf***ing ICE, no ICE. I've said this more than once, ICE is not welcome," Lee said.
The comments come as ICE and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, face intense scrutiny over President Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement. The federal agency has been under fire particularly after agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January, raising alarms about civil liberties and accountability.
Knicks Close to Title Amid Political Storm
The Knicks currently lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 against the San Antonio Spurs, needing just two more wins to secure the championship. New York took the first two games at home before dropping Game 3 on the road. Game 4 is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday.
President Trump attended Game 3 on Monday at the invitation of Knicks owner James Dolan. His presence at Madison Square Garden prompted heightened security, including the cancellation of a planned watch party outside the arena. The visit has already sparked controversy, with ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith slamming Trump for disrupting the game and accusing him of sleeping in the VIP box. Trump, in turn, called Smith an "arrogant fool," escalating a public feud over the Finals appearance.
Lee's anti-ICE stance also aligns with broader tensions between the Trump administration and New York City. White House border czar Tom Homan said earlier this week that the city is about to see its largest deployment of ICE officers yet, following a legislative package signed by Governor Kathy Hochul that grants additional protections to residents from federal immigration authorities.
Political Fallout and Security Concerns
The controversy has drawn in other figures, including Stephen A. Smith, who warned that Trump's MSG visit would "ruin the vibe" at the Knicks Finals game. Meanwhile, the NYPD is already hunting suspects in a brutal attack on a Spurs fan after the Knicks' Game 3 loss, adding another layer of security concerns to the championship series.
Lee's comments also reflect a broader political battle over immigration enforcement. The GOP faces dual deadlines on immigration funding and FISA renewal, while the administration pushes forward with its hardline agenda. Trump has called the NBA "a little left-wing" after the booing he received at the Finals game, further politicizing the event.
As the series heads to a pivotal Game 4, the intersection of sports, politics, and immigration enforcement continues to intensify. The Hill has reached out to ICE for comment on Lee's remarks and the planned deployment in New York City.
