New Delhi: The Super Bowl—among the biggest annual events in the US, which holds significance not just in sporting circles, but also as a hallmark of American culture—is set to take place on 8 February. However, the celebration is likely to be marred by concerns over the potential presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the game in Santa Clara, California.
But at a joint meeting of the Santa Clara City Council, city authorities and Santa Clara Stadium Authority earlier this week, a ‘hero’ emerged from the shadows to take on the authorities.
A video from the meeting that has surfaced on the internet shows an unidentified man dressed as fictional vigilante character Batman, using his public comment time to confront the council members for their lack of action in protecting the citizens they serve.
“Look me in the eye. Can any one of you go home to your children and tell them that you did everything you could to protect their classmates? To protect their grandparents? To protect them. I don’t think you can,” he said in an impassioned speech, demanding that the council do something before “hundreds of masked men come into our city and kill people”, referring to the possible Super Bowl raids.
“Because as of now, I stand before a council of cowards. And if you do not act, you’re not just cowards, you’re traitors to each and every individual you serve”, he continued, demanding that the council affirm that they would in no capacity cooperate with ICE agents.
He also demanded that the council get their policies into writing so as to ensure that the city’s officers would not cooperate with ICE agents during the February game. “How many people have been shot? How many people have been taken? How many children have been abducted and used as bait? I don’t need to tell you that. You see it on the TV every single day. I don’t want you to sit back and watch. I want you to f***ing do something,” he said.
‘Batman’ was hailed by netizens for calling out the city council’s inaction.
“He’s not the hero we deserve, but the one we need right now,” a social media user commented. “He’s the real deal. He’s out in the streets fighting for the people. I’ve seen him at multiple protests and now at City Hall. Yeah, He’s a hero!” wrote another.
The County of Santa Clara has been open about its stance against Donald Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policies. It launched the “One County, One Future” campaign to reaffirm its unwavering support for the county’s immigrant community and connect immigrants who are under threat from the federal administration to information and resources.
Americans have been in uproar, especially after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota earlier this month.
(Edited by Mannat Chugh)
Also read: As tech and tariffs collide, pharmaceuticals become the next weapons in global trade