MLS Commissioner Stands Firm on Political Signage Ban as ICE Protests Rock Stadiums
During a period of heightened tension in MLS stadium stands, league commissioner Don Garber stood by the organization's prohibition on political displays at games and events.
At a mid-season media briefing before Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game in Austin, the league's chief executive faced questions about challenges confronting fan groups, particularly regarding the security of Latino communities affected by heightened Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations nationwide and stadium demonstrations.
"We aim to ensure our displays won't provoke anyone," Garber explained to the media. "The most effective approach is maintaining our current policy, which forbids political messaging or references to legislative matters in our venues."
"I recognize and empathize with those affected by this situation. I was raised in a multicultural setting. We operate as a highly diverse league, but we must be careful about our approach to this matter."
Throughout the past three months, multiple MLS fan organizations have staged game boycotts, following Nashville SC's La Brigada de Oro supporters group, which urged fans to avoid matches due to escalated ICE operations in Tennessee.
"Our community faces terror right now," La Brigada de Oro founder Abel Acosta explained to The Athletic in May after the initial boycott. "We feel like we're being pursued. That's our reality."
Various other Latino-centered groups have adopted similar actions, while additional supporter organizations have demonstrated in solidarity. Nevertheless, the league maintains its prohibition on what it considers "political messaging," with spectators being requested, at minimum, to take down banners or face potential stadium bans.
In 2021, an MLS representative told The Salt Lake Tribune that approximately 30% of supporters are Hispanic, and the league provides complete broadcast and editorial content in Spanish through its programming.
League Avoids Official Position, Permits Clubs to Choose
Though the league hasn't adopted an official position, and Garber confirmed this Wednesday, the commissioner didn't oppose teams issuing statements. At the time of the briefing, however, only LAFC had responded.
"Today, as many in our city experience fear and uncertainty, LAFC stands united with every member of our community," the club stated on June 8. "LAFC believes community strength comes from the people and cultures forming the fabric of this beautiful and diverse city."
After La Brigada de Oro's original demonstration, LAFC and LA Galaxy fan groups have been among the most visible in protesting heightened ICE operations. During a recent El Tráfico match between both teams, LAFC supporters displayed a Spanish banner reading "Los Angeles unidos jamás será vencido," ("Los Angeles, united, will never be defeated").
Earlier, the Chicago Fire prohibited fans for declining to remove an anti-ICE display, which reportedly violated the league's MLS Fan Code of Conduct, stating:
"The following behavior is forbidden in the Stadium and all parking areas, facilities and zones controlled by the Club or MLS... Showing signs, symbols, images, using language or making gestures that are threatening, abusive, or discriminatory, including based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability, and/or sexual orientation."
In Texas, supporters have worked with Austin FC and obtained multiple immigrant-support banners for supporter section use, including displays reading: "Austin Is An Immigrant City" and "Know Your Rights."
Fears of Political Backlash
While Garber offered limited details about the league's official position, Rolling Stone reported on July 19 that MLS and its clubs worry about retaliation from the U.S. government under President Donald Trump.
Earlier, the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball faced legal action from a conservative organization after declaring support for LA's immigrant population, and the league's Cleveland Guardians and Washington Commanders encounter growing pressure to return to their previous names, considered offensive to Native Americans.
Garber added Wednesday: "It's certainly a complex matter. The question remains, should the league play a role in protecting people? I'm uncertain whether you're referring to Latinos. I don't believe the league possesses the capacity to function as a protective entity for anyone."
"If clubs wish to issue statements, they may. I don't think any club should be obligated to. Certainly, the league hasn't, doesn't, and won't make statements on this. We simply want to continue doing everything possible to ensure our matches remain safe for all supporters."
The MLS regular season resumes on Friday.