San Jose 'Batman' Activist Confronts City Council Over ICE Cooperation Ahead of Super Bowl

Viral video shows activist in Batman costume criticizing Santa Clara city's lack of preparation for immigration enforcement during 2026 Super Bowl.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:47pm

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A San Jose resident who goes by the name 'Batman' confronted the Santa Clara City Council during a public meeting, criticizing the city's failure to prepare for increased immigration enforcement activity ahead of the 2026 Super Bowl. Dressed in a homemade Batman costume, the activist gave a blistering speech, saying the city needed to do more to limit cooperation with ICE and create 'ICE-free zones' within city limits. The video of his remarks went viral on social media, resonating with viewers including singer SZA.

Why it matters

The San Jose 'Batman' activist has a history of using his costumed persona to draw attention to issues affecting unhoused residents and advocate for greater community support. His confrontation with the city council highlights growing concerns about the potential for increased immigration raids and detentions around major events like the Super Bowl, which often see a heightened law enforcement presence.

The details

For nearly eight years, the anonymous San Jose resident has patrolled the streets in a homemade Batman costume, distributing supplies to unhoused residents and intervening when people need help. At the Santa Clara City Council meeting, he criticized council members for failing to advance a proposal drafted by immigrant advocacy groups that would limit the city's cooperation with ICE ahead of the Super Bowl. The activist was particularly frustrated by a council member's perceived resistance to the policy, which would create 'ICE-free zones' and restrict data sharing.

  • The Santa Clara City Council meeting where the 'Batman' activist spoke took place last week.
  • The council is scheduled to consider the proposal to limit ICE cooperation during a special meeting on February 3, 2026.

The players

San Jose 'Batman' Activist

An anonymous San Jose resident who has been patrolling the streets in a homemade Batman costume for nearly eight years, distributing supplies to unhoused residents and advocating for their rights.

Santa Clara City Council

The governing body of Santa Clara, California, the host city for the 2026 Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“I said nothing more than what everybody else in the room was thinking.”

— San Jose 'Batman' Activist (SFGATE)

“The time for flying under the radar is over. The entire world will be watching.”

— San Jose 'Batman' Activist (SFGATE)

What’s next

The Santa Clara City Council is scheduled to consider the proposal to limit ICE cooperation during a special meeting on February 3, 2026.

The takeaway

The San Jose 'Batman' activist's confrontation with the Santa Clara City Council highlights growing concerns about the potential for increased immigration enforcement and detentions around major events like the Super Bowl, and the need for host cities to take proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities.