Target Center apologizes after fan was asked to remove 'ICE OUT' T-shirt

Target Center said a security guard misinterpreted arena policy and apologized after asking a courtside Timberwolves fan to remove a shirt reading 'ICE OUT.' The fan, attorney Tim Phillips, offered to cover the shirt and returned to the game in a different shirt.

Target Center apologized after an employee asked a courtside fan at a Minnesota Timberwolves game to remove a black T-shirt reading "ICE OUT." The fan, civil rights attorney Tim Phillips, said he wore the shirt in response to increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the Twin Cities following a nearby fatal encounter earlier in the week. The Timberwolves are tenants at Target Center and said they do not set policies for arena staff. The arena said the employee misinterpreted its policy and issued an apology to the guest. Key details: - Arena security told Phillips the shirt violated a policy described as prohibiting "Apparel with Explicit Wording and/or Graphics." - Phillips offered to cover the shirt with a hoodie, briefly left his seat to do so, and returned to watch the game wearing a gray shirt. - The arena released a statement saying an employee misinterpreted the policy, that staff policies were reiterated, and that it apologized for the inconvenience. - The incident occurred amid heightened attention after a federal agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good; the administration described the agent's actions as self-defense and Minnesota officials have disputed that account. Summary: The arena's acknowledgment and apology followed a contested interaction over apparel at a public event and was presented as a policy misinterpretation. The guest remained at the game after covering the shirt. Undetermined at this time.