A man dressed as Batman staged a dramatic protest at a Santa Clara City Council meeting this week, demanding an immediate end to local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident, which occurred on January 31, 2026, underscores rising tensions over immigration policies as the city prepares to host the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on February 8.
During a public comment session, the costumed activist urged officials to sever ties with federal immigration authorities and implement written policies blocking ICE access to city resources and data. "We cannot claim to celebrate diversity while enabling enforcement that tears families apart," the protester declared, drawing applause from some attendees.
The timing highlights Santa Clara’s balancing act between public safety priorities and civil rights concerns ahead of one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. Local authorities have not yet commented on whether the demonstration will influence ongoing security preparations for the Super Bowl, which is expected to draw over 70,000 visitors to the Bay Area next week.
