A Texas activist says she was kicked out of an Austin professional soccer stadium over the message printed across her T-shirt.
In an Instagram Reel that has amassed nearly 12,000 views since it was posted on September 27, Daniela Silva (@danielasilvatx) explains what happened. She had reportedly been attending a game at Q2 Stadium, home of Major League Soccer’s Austin FC. Then staff allegedly removed her for wearing a shirt reading “Abolish ICE.”
“So I have just been kicked out of the Q2 Stadium for wearing an abolish ICE shirt,” says Silva as she walks outside the venue.
What happened at this soccer game?
Silva, who serves as the Austin Policy Coordinator for the Workers Defense Fund, then calls on other soccer fans to boycott the stadium.
“So anyone who ever comes to the soccer games, y’all should [expletive] boycott Q2 for their absolute bull[expletive] in bending the knee to a tyrannical government,” she says. “This is an absolute disgrace. I’m so disgusted by FC. I will never come back here again and absolutely shame on them. Shame on them.”
Silva alleges that the message on her shirt was the reason she was removed. Subplot could not independently verify the circumstances surrounding her ejection.
She wrote in the caption of her Reel: “If I step foot on their property in the next 12 months, I will be arrested. A security guard told me on the way out that there are ICE agents *INSIDE* of the stadium, so stay safe y’all.”
A person familiar with Q2 Stadium’s policies told Subplot that the guest in question was removed not for expressing an anti-ICE sentiment, but because the t-shirt violated stadium policy.
They said that over a period of 30 minutes, several peaceful resolution attempts were made. This included the offer of a free t-shirt to change into so that Silva could remain at the venue. She allegedly refused. They also added that the same action would be taken if a guest were to wear a MAGA hat, for example. They added that policies like this exist to prevent tensions from escalating between guests.
This person said that, more importantly, the venue employs many first-generation immigrants, some of whom were concerned about the claim that there were ICE agents present at the stadium. They said this is not true, or if it is, that stadium officials were not aware of it.
What Does Q2 Stadium’s Policy Say?
Q2 Stadium does maintain rules governing political messaging inside the venue.
Its current Fan Code of Conduct prohibits displaying signs, images, or symbols “for electioneering, campaigning, or advocating for or against any candidate, political party, legislative issue, or government action.” Fans who violate the code can face penalties, including ejection without refund, according to their website.
The stadium’s prohibited-items policy also bars clothing “containing offensive, inciting, or foul language or depictions.” However, its published rules do not specifically say that all clothing containing a political message is prohibited.
People had mixed reactions
Some viewers pointed out how the organization is proud to adopt certain aspects of Latino culture. They highlighted the team’s rallying cry being “Verde! Listos!” but still allow ICE agents into the venue, despite the agency’s disproportionate targeting of people of color.
“But they’ll use the culture to [sell] tickets,” a commenter wrote.
“While making money outta our culture…” added another.’
Others pointed out how the stadium won’t allow pro-ICE or pro-MAGA gear either to cut down on the possibility of conflict.
“They won’t let you wear a MAGA hat either. They want to keep things non-political and more about the sport,” one commenter wrote.
“It’s to prevent problems. That’s why you don’t see MAGA shirts in the crowd either. It goes both ways,” wrote another, who claimed to have worked security at the stadium.
ICE Activity Has Recently Increased In Austin
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Austin, Texas.
According to Austin City Council Member Chito Vela, “Austin has gone from roughly a dozen arrests a day to a few dozen a day.” However, the city apparently does not receive arrest numbers from ICE.
Speaking to KVUE, Vela added that ICE agents are also acting with more independence. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has also said there has been a “pretty significant” increase in ICE detentions in the city.
The situation intensified after an ICE officer shot and wounded food delivery driver Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez. It occurred on September 20 in north Austin. This incident prompted protests in Austin, including demonstrations at the site of the shooting and at the Texas Capitol.
ICE is the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement within the United States. Calls to “abolish ICE” generally advocate for eliminating the agency or replacing its immigration-enforcement functions. This is particularly as its tactics have drawn questions of constitutionality.
Subplot has reached out to Daniela Silva and Q2 Stadium via email.
