AEW Star Brody King’s ‘Abolish ICE’ Shirt Sparks Debate at Grand Slam Mexico

At All Elite Wrestling’s "Grand Slam Mexico" in Mexico City, wrestler Brody King made a bold statement, stepping into the ring wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with "Abolish ICE." The event, held in the iconic Arena México, showcased a thrilling 14-person tag-team match featuring King alongside Adam Cole, Atlantis, Atlantis Jr., Bandido, Daniel Garcia, and Templario. They triumphed over a formidable lineup including Dax Harwood, Hechicero, Josh Alexander, Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Lance Archer, and Volador Jr., in collaboration with Mexico’s premier wrestling promotion, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).

King’s shirt was more than a fashion choice—it was a loud echo of protests raging in Los Angeles, where demonstrators have clashed violently with law enforcement over recent ICE raids. Reports describe chaos: officers injured, autonomous vehicles torched, and stores looted. King amplified the message by sharing a fiery post from Mexican makeup artist Jose Corella, who called the raids "morally reprehensible" and "legally indefensible," arguing that undocumented status is a civil violation, not a crime warranting armed detentions. Corella’s words framed such actions as akin to "armed kidnapping"—a felony far graver than the violations ICE targets.

The sentiment has resonated beyond wrestling. Los Angeles Dodgers’ Enrique Hernandez and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Angel City FC have voiced similar criticisms, spotlighting the tension in a city that prides itself on its sanctuary status. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has doubled down, urging ICE to intensify efforts and expand operations to other cities, further fueling the controversy.

King’s stance, played out on an international stage, underscores how sports can amplify societal debates, blending athletic spectacle with raw political expression.