Austin FC captain Ilie Sanchez publicly called for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sunday, following demonstrations by fans against the agency during the team's match against Sporting Kansas City on October 24.
Sanchez, who wears the number 6 jersey for the Major League Soccer side, made the statement in the wake of supporter protests that took place at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The Spanish midfielder has been a regular starter for Austin FC since joining the club.
The fan demonstrations targeted ICE, the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, though specific details of the protest actions were not disclosed. Sanchez's remarks represent a rare instance of an MLS captain making a direct political statement on a contentious national issue.
Austin FC's next fixture is yet to be announced as the 2026 MLS season continues.
