A man in a Batman suit made headlines at the Santa Clara City Council meeting on 27 January 2026, when he passionately urged local officials not to assist ICE during the Super Bowl, which was scheduled for 8 February at Levi's Stadium, where the Seattle Seahawks would face the New England Patriots. The event attracted significant media attention, and large crowds were expected.

In his three-minute speech, the man slapped his hands on the lectern, expressing his outrage at the possibility of cooperation between the council and federal immigration authorities. He warned that this could endanger the safety of residents of Santa Clara, referring to possible deployment of "hundreds" of masked men in the area. The speaker criticized the council members for being "cowards" for allowing federal agents to influence local policies.

His dramatic appeal for action came amid growing criticism of ICE, especially after controversial operations in Minnesota led to two deaths and the detention of both citizens and non-citizens. Online reactions to his outburst were varied: some found humor in the situation, while others recognized his message about immigration enforcement at a high-profile event. Social media users commented, "We need this man in Congress," highlighting the effectiveness of his unusual approach in raising awareness of serious issues. Federal agencies, including ICE, had historically participated in security measures during large events, but they generally did not conduct immigration raids during Super Bowls. Discussions about ICE's involvement in the upcoming event reflected broader tensions over immigration policy in the US, and the protestor's Batman message resonated with many members of the community who shared concerns about federal interference. As the date of Super Bowl approached, officials in Santa Clara continued to discuss security measures and involvement of federal agencies, hoping to strike a balance between public safety and trust in the community.