Sharp criticism of the community Batman explains scolding against US politicians: "It needed that extra measure of absurdity"
A man in a Batman costume causes a stir in the USA shortly before the Super Bowl: With an angry speech, he publicly pilloried the Santa Clara City Council. His performance goes viral.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- An activist in a Batman costume sharply criticized the Santa Clara City Council shortly before the Super Bowl and called for measures against possible operations by the US immigration authorities ICE.
- His emotional appearance went viral and was viewed millions of times.
- In an interview, the man explained that the costume was deliberately chosen to generate more attention for his cause.
- For years, he has dressed up in San Jose to support homeless people and social causes.
Last week, a man in a Batman costume caused a worldwide stir in the US city of Santa Clara: During a public speaking session of the city council, he sharply attacked the politicians because, in his opinion, the city had inadequately prepared for possible operations by the controversial immigration authority ICE in the run-up to Super Bowl 2026. "What the hell are we doing here?" he asked.
The speaker accused the city of inaction and demanded that it put in writing that no city resources would be made available for ICE operations.
The city had had months to prepare for the situation, the man said. "I don't give a damn if this is out of etiquette. People are dying on our streets every single day in this country because we allow this federal government to trample over you," the U.S. citizen said.
"Batman" has been on the road for years
The video of his appearance went viral and has been viewed several million times worldwide. The news website "SFGATE" has since tracked down the man in the costume and interviewed him about his appearance.
"I almost didn't wear the costume that night. But I felt like it needed that extra level of absurdity to force people's attention," the activist told SFGATE in an interview after the session. "I guarantee the video wouldn't have gotten nearly as much attention without the costume."
The San Jose resident asked the news website not to use his real name. However, he confirmed that it was not the first time he had appeared as a superhero to help people.
The activist known as "Batman" has been walking around San Jose for almost eight years. He distributes water, food and first aid supplies to homeless people, documents the evacuation of tent camps and intervenes when help is needed.
According to him, his "alter ego" as Batman goes back to his school days. Back then, he helped a woman who was living in her car and could no longer start it. "Batman" helped her find a garage. "I could pinpoint the exact moment when he stopped seeing her as a problem and started seeing her as a person," he recalled.
The absurd performance seems to have achieved something: The mayor announced this week that no ICE immigration enforcement measures are planned in the city in conjunction with the Super Bowl.