Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Alexander Abnos in Austin, Texas

MLS commissioner defends ban on ‘political’ signage at games amid Ice crackdown

Abolish Ice and No Ice in this Melting Pot banners are displayed in the supporters' section during the MLS match between Austin FC and New York Red Bulls on June 14, 2025 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX.
Austin FC supporters display an anti-Ice banner at a game in June. Photograph: Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

MLS commissioner Don Garber defended the league’s ban on political signage from fan groups but said that teams are allowed to make political statements in a press conference with reporters before the MLS All-Star game on Wednesday evening.

Asked by the Guardian US to comment on protests and statements from MLS supporters’ groups against Immigration Customs Enforcement (Ice) and the federal government’s broader immigration crackdown, Garber said that the league’s primary concern is keeping games safe for fans to attend. The commissioner said that ensuring fan groups do not unveil displays that are political in nature is part of that goal.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.