# MLS political speech policy fails Austin FC fans

> Austin FC fans protest MLS’s ban on anti-ICE T-shirts after expulsion of supporter Daniela Silva.
- Title: MLS political speech policy fails Austin FC fans | Shortify
- Summary: Austin FC fans protest MLS’s ban on anti-ICE T-shirts after expulsion of supporter Daniela Silva. Austin FC expelled Daniela Silva for wearing an anti-ICE…
- Keywords: austin fc, mls, ice, political speech, fan protest, q2 stadium, hispanic heritage night, san diego fc, nashville sc, los verdes, la murga de austin, sports
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/14/austin-fc-ice-banner-mls-political-speech-policy
- Published: 2026-10-14T16:58:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: austin fc, mls, ice, political speech, fan protest, q2 stadium, hispanic heritage night, san diego fc, nashville sc, los verdes, la murga de austin, sports
## Austin FC fan expelled
Daniela Silva was expelled from Austin FC’s match with San Diego FC for wearing an anti-ICE T-shirt.

> Abolish ICE
## Expulsion details
Austin FC said the ban was issued by the Austin Police Department, not the club, and Silva declined to rescind it.
## Protests follow ICE shooting
Protests erupted after ICE agents shot a Venezuelan delivery driver in Austin on 9 September.
## Hispanic Heritage Night
Austin FC’s Hispanic Heritage Night featured folk dances and local nonprofits serving the Hispanic community.
## Fan group protest
Los Verdes and La Murga de Austin demanded Austin FC speak out against ICE’s impact on immigrant communities.

> Opposition to ICE is not an abstract political debate for many of our members and neighbors
## Supporters walk out
La Murga de Austin walked out during Austin FC’s 4-1 loss to Nashville SC, taking down their 'NO ICE IN THIS MELTING POT' banner.

> NO ICE IN THIS MELTING POT
## MLS policy history
MLS previously banned 'Refugees welcome' banners at Toronto FC games and the Iron Front symbol.
## Current policy issues
MLS’s political speech policy is seen as untenable as it fails to address the reality of 30% of its fans being politically engaged.
## Key takeaway

Austin FC expelled Daniela Silva for wearing an anti-ICE T-shirt, sparking fan protests over MLS’s political speech policy.