A man dressed as Batman disrupted a Santa Clara city council meeting on Tuesday, angrily calling out local officials over concerns that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers could be deployed during next month’s Super Bowl.
Taking the podium during the public comment session, the self-identified “Batman” began his speech with a dramatic “Ker-pow!” before launching into a profanity-laced tirade, accusing authorities of allowing federal agencies to overstep their powers.
The city of Santa Clara is set to host the NFL championship game on February 8, where the New England Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks.
The masked speaker urged city leaders to publicly commit to refusing any cooperation with ICE during the event, saying federal enforcement actions were costing lives and eroding trust in local government.
His remarks came amid heightened tensions following the recent deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis, both shot during operations involving federal immigration authorities.
Santa Clara city officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Concerns over ICE’s potential involvement in Super Bowl security intensified after Department of Homeland Security adviser Corey Lewandowski criticised the selection of Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny as the halftime performer, accusing him of being “anti-American”.
Lewandowski also insisted there should be no “safe haven” from immigration enforcement, even at major events like the Super Bowl.
Tickets for the game reportedly start at around US$6,000, a price point far beyond the reach of most undocumented migrants.
