Pep Guardiola speaks out on ICE killings and war-time civilian deaths

February 5, 2026 Oliver Obel

Pep Guardiola arrived to discuss football. Instead, he left reporters with a stark message about war, state violence and what he described as a shared human responsibility not to look away.

Ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming domestic cup match, the City manager used his press conference to reflect on global events he said had reached a point where silence was no longer acceptable.

Guardiola has spoken publicly on political and humanitarian issues before, particularly on the suffering of civilians in conflict zones. Last week, he missed routine media duties after appearing at a charity concert in Barcelona, where he addressed the impact of war on children. Tuesday’s remarks went further, both in length and scope.

U.S. killings referenced

According to GiveMeSport, Guardiola cited recent unrest in the United States following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. He challenged the official explanations that followed and said the use of lethal force could not be justified.

“Look what happened in the United States of America. Renee Good and Alex Pretti have been killed,” Guardiola said, asking how such actions could be defended in a democratic society.

“There is not a perfect society,” he added. “We have to work to be better. Who can defend that? I don't know.”

‘Impossible not to see’

From there, Guardiola widened his focus to wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, arguing that modern technology has removed the distance that once allowed people to ignore civilian suffering.

He said images of destruction and mass death now appear daily, leaving little room for moral detachment.

“When someone kills thousands of innocent people, it hurts me,” Guardiola said. “It’s no more complicated than that.”

He rejected the idea that political allegiance or ideology could excuse civilian deaths, saying human life should come before any position or argument.

On refugees and responsibility

Guardiola also spoke about people fleeing violence, particularly those risking their lives at sea in search of safety. He urged governments and societies to prioritise rescue over judgment.

“The people who have to run away from their countries… don’t ask if he is right or wrong; rescue him,” he said. “It is about a human being.”

He ended by saying that protecting human life was the most basic obligation societies share, regardless of borders or politics.

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Sources: GiveMeSport, Guardiola press conference