Brewers fan fired and banned after threatening to call ICE

When a Milwaukee Brewers fan shouted "Let's call ICE" at a Latino Los Angeles Dodgers fan during a playoff game, the backlash was swift: she lost both of her jobs and was barred from the stadium.

The incident unfolded at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the exact date remains unclear, video clips posted to YouTube captured the exchange, and the phrase "call ICE" directly referenced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency tasked with immigration enforcement.

Background: A rivalry that goes beyond the diamond

The Brewers and Dodgers have a history of high‑stakes matchups, most recently meeting in the 2018 National League Championship Series. Their rivalry is fueled not just by baseball talent but by regional pride—Midwest versus West Coast. That tension can spill over into the stands, where passionate fans often chant, wear colors, and sometimes cross the line into harassment.

The incident and how it went viral

According to a YouTube clip titled "Brewers fan loses job after saying 'call ICE' on Dodgers fan," the female fan leaned over a neighboring seat and exclaimed, "Let's call ICE." The camera captured the startled reaction of the Latino fan, who stared back in disbelief. Within hours, the video was shared across social‑media platforms, drawing thousands of comments and several news outlets.

ABC7 Chicago, a local broadcast owned by E.W. Scripps Company, reported that the video had “sparked immediate outrage.” A short on Yahoo News added that the fan "loses both jobs" and "is banned from the stadium," though the exact number of jobs has varied between sources.

Employment fallout and the stadium ban

Following the video’s spread, the woman's employer(s) acted quickly. A spokesperson for one of her workplaces, which preferred to remain unnamed, said, "We have a zero‑tolerance policy for harassment, especially when it invokes threats against protected classes."

Another source confirmed that she was also let go from a second part‑time position, explaining that the decision was “based on the public nature of the incident and the company's code of conduct.” The fact that she held multiple jobs is why Yahoo’s headline mentioned "both jobs."

The Brewers organization issued a brief statement that she had been "banned from American Family Field for the remainder of the season," though it did not specify the length of the ban or the process for potential reinstatement.

Reactions from teams, the league, and civil‑rights groups

Both clubs were quick to distance themselves from the fan’s remarks. Milwaukee Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns said, "We do not condone any form of hate or intimidation in our parks. Fans should feel safe, regardless of their background."

Across town, Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman added, "We appreciate that the community called out this behavior. It’s a reminder that we need to keep the conversation about respect ongoing."

Nationally, the incident caught the eye of civil‑rights advocates. An attorney with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) said, "Threatening someone with ICE is a clear intimidation tactic rooted in xenophobia. Employers and public venues must treat such conduct seriously."

Legal and broader implications

Legal experts note that while the fan’s statement alone might not constitute a crime, it can trigger civil liability under anti‑discrimination statutes, especially if it creates a hostile environment. "If the fan’s employer can prove that her conduct violated workplace policies, the termination is likely defensible," explained a labor‑law professor at the University of Wisconsin‑Madison.

Major League Baseball’s commissioner, Rob Manfred, has not yet issued a league‑wide directive, but past incidents—like the 2015 "no‑tolerate" policy on fan misconduct—suggest that the league could consider stricter stadium‑entry rules.

The episode also feeds into a larger debate about free speech versus hate speech in public venues. Some commentators argue that banning fans for verbal threats sets a dangerous precedent, while others contend that a stadium is a private‑property setting where owners can enforce conduct codes.

What’s next for the parties involved?

For the unnamed fan, the immediate concerns are financial—she now faces unemployment and the loss of any future eligibility to purchase tickets at the Brewers park. She has not publicly commented, and her legal options remain uncertain.

The Latino Dodgers supporter filed a formal complaint with the club’s fan‑relations department; the outcome is pending. Meanwhile, both teams have pledged to increase staff training on diversity and inclusion.

As the postseason continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder that the passion of baseball can sometimes spill over into harmful territory. Whether league officials will tighten policies or leave enforcement to individual clubs is a story that will unfold in the weeks ahead.