MLS's political speech policy is untenable – just ask Austin FC fans

Austin FC expelled a fan wearing an anti-ICE shirt during Hispanic Heritage Night; the club cited MLS conduct policy while police issued the stadium ban.

On 26 September, Daniela Silva was removed from Austin FC's match against San Diego FC for wearing a T-shirt reading "Abolish ICE" and subsequently banned from Q2 Stadium for a year. The expulsion occurred during the club's Hispanic Heritage Night, just days after ICE agents shot a Venezuelan delivery driver in Austin. Austin FC attributed the removal to MLS's fan code of conduct, which prohibits political advocacy, though the club stated the ban was issued by Austin Police Department and that they offered to rescind it. The incident has sparked debate over whether sports venues can truly remain apolitical, particularly when political events directly affect the communities being celebrated.