Fans of Austin FC staged a walkout Saturday at Q2 Stadium, citing issues with the soccer club’s actions after a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement-involved shooting in late September.
The walkout was led by Austin FC supporters’ group La Murga, which is also the all-volunteer live band during matches, and coordinated with Los Verdes and Austin Anthem, the original fan group for Austin FC.
In video taken during Saturday’s contest against Nashville SC, the fans are seen displaying a sign reading “No ICE in this melting pot!” while waving flags behind the Austin FC goal. La Murga musicians continue to play, then at around 10 minutes into the match, the music ends. The fans behind the goal begin walking out of the stadium, leaving large swaths of green seats.
“On Saturday, La Murga de Austin walked out of Q2,” read an Instagram post by La Murga on Sunday. “This was not an easy decision. The heartbeat of Austin: the drums, the songs, the colors, the carnival—we bring all of it voluntarily, out of love for this club and this city. We love this club, but love is not silent.”
Walkout follows Austin ICE shooting
ICE agents shot and wounded 28-year-old Venezuelan national Wilber Garces Perez on Sept. 20 while he was making a DoorDash delivery. In the incident, Perez was stopped by ICE agents before shots were fired. Perez was later charged with assaulting, resisting or impending a federal officer.
Six days after the shooting, a fan and former Austin city council candidate named Daniela Silva wore a jersey to Austin FC’s home game against San Diego emblazoned with “Abolish ICE” on the back. Austin FC claimed Silva was offered a “complimentary T-shirt,” but ultimately she was ejected from the stadium. It was also Hispanic Heritage Night at Q2 Stadium…