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The San Jose Sharks apologized Saturday after a pro-US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent appeared on the video board at the SAP Center as the organization celebrated Hispanic Heritage Night.
The message read “SJ Sharks Fans LOVE ICE !! Get’em Boyz!”
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The San Jose Sharks skate onto the ice through Shark Head prior to the start of the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the SAP Center on October 18, 2025 in San Jose, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The franchise issued a statement at the X as the Pittsburgh Penguins wrapped up a 3-0 win against the Sharks.
“During the first intermission of tonight’s game, an offensively worded message that had been sent remotely was inadvertently displayed on the arena scoreboard,” the team said. “Sharks Sports & Entertainment deeply regrets that this message, which does not meet our organization’s values, was not detected during our standard review.
“The Shark’s organization sincerely apologizes for this oversight and we are actively working to determine the origin of the message.”
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San Jose Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic (33) makes a save against Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) while being defended by San Jose Sharks defenseman Nick Leddy (4) during the third period at the SAP Center in San Jose on Oct. 18, 2025. (Neville E. Guard/Imagn Images)
ICE enforcement in California has been a big topic of conversation over the past few months. In Los Angeles County, the Board of Supervisors voted to declare a local state of emergency in response to the agency’s operations in the region.
County officials claimed the raids have “created a climate of fear that has led to widespread disruptions to daily life and negative consequences for our regional economy,” including reduced participation in the workplace, temporary or permanent business closures and increased strain on schools, hospitals and places of worship.
A pro-ICE message prompted an apology from the Sharks. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
San Jose council members also approved a policy to compel ICE agents to disclose during enforcement operations. The board unanimously adopted the new mandate.
