Anti-ICE Sentiment Reaches the Squared Circle as Loud Fan Chant Heard in AEW Show

During a high-stakes main event at All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) weekly episodic Dynamite show in Las Vegas on 4 February 2026, fans unleashed a resounding anti-ICE chant, briefly halting proceedings. The crowd's repeated cries of 'F--- ICE!' echoed through the venue before the AEW World Championship Eliminator Match between Brody King and reigning champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF).

The unexpected outburst paused the action, drawing mixed reactions from performers and officials. Broadcast live on TBS and HBO Max, the incident highlighted growing tensions over US immigration policies within the wrestling community.

MJF, known for his provocative persona, appeared visibly stunned, staring wide-eyed at the camera and scanning the audience. The match proceeded shortly after, with King securing a swift victory, earning a title shot at Grand Slam Australia on 14 February.

Brody King's Advocacy

Brody King, a vocal critic of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), nodded approvingly at the crowd as the chant swelled. King, also the lead vocalist for hardcore band God's Hate, has actively campaigned against ICE through merchandise sales.

Recently, he raised nearly $59,000 (£43,560) for the Minnesota Rights Action Committee via t-shirts featuring him in a ski mask with an 'Abolish ICE' slogan, benefiting Latino and Somali immigrant communities. In a post on X, King expressed gratitude to supporters, reiterating 'F--- ICE.'

This follows his previous efforts, including wearing his 'Abolish ICE' shirt at AEW's Grand Slam Mexico in 2025 and fundraising for California non-profits.

Fan's Visual Capture of the Controversy

In response to a Fightful Wrestling post sharing a video of the chants, user @culero187 posted a striking photo capturing the moment. The image depicts a close-up of MJF's shocked expression, his eyes widened in apparent disbelief amid the roaring crowd.

This fan-submitted visual, devoid of accompanying text, amplified the incident's virality on social media, offering a raw glimpse into the champion's reaction during the pause. It underscores how audience participation can shift the narrative in live events, blending entertainment with political expression.

Referee Bryce Remsburg's Witty Response

AEW referee Bryce Remsburg, who officiated the main event match, added a layer of intrigue with his reply to the same Fightful post. In a cheeky admission, Remsburg posted: 'It seems like the referee may have waited to ring the bell so these could resonate longer? Oh no. Whoops.'

This self-deprecating comment suggests he deliberately delayed the bell to let the anti-ICE sentiment to echo, sparking debates on officials' roles in fan-driven moments. Remsburg's post garnered thousands of likes and replies, with some praising his stance and others criticising it as unprofessional.

Broader Immigration Context in Wrestling

The chant resonates in Las Vegas, a hub for immigrants where nearly 35% of the population is Hispanic or Latino. AEW has cultivated a diverse fanbase by incorporating Mexican luchadores and Latino traditions into its product, making such outbursts reflective of broader societal issues.

Neither AEW, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, nor the Department of Homeland Security responded to inquiries.

This event illustrates wrestling's intersection with politics, where scripted drama meets real-world activism. As AEW continues to embrace global influences, incidents like this may become more frequent, challenging the promotion to navigate fan passions without derailing the show.