When Shannon Kobylarczyk, a 38‑year‑old Milwaukee resident and former employee of Manpower Group, shouted “let’s call ICE” at a fellow fan during Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, the incident spiraled into a stadium‑wide scandal. Ricardo Fosado, a 42‑year‑old U.S. Navy veteran supporting the Los Angeles Dodgers, responded with a defiant “I’m a U.S. citizen, war veteran… ICE isn’t gonna do nothing to me.” The exchange, captured on video and shared across social media on October 16, 2025, prompted the Milwaukee Brewers to hand both men lifetime bans from American Family Field just two days later.
Background: The NLCS Setting and Fan Tensions
Game 2 of the NLCS took place on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, at 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214, with a capacity crowd of roughly 41,900 spectators. The Dodgers led 3‑1 in the fourth inning, and the atmosphere grew electric – the kind of pressure cooker that often breeds trash‑talk. Historically, rivalries between Milwaukee and Los Angeles have been heated, but never before has a conversation about immigration enforcement burst onto the national stage during a playoff game.
What Actually Happened on the Seats
The incident unfolded in the lower‑deck seating area. According to footage aired by FOX6 News, Fosado muttered, “Why is everybody quiet?” as the Dodgers pulled ahead. Kobylarczyk, hearing the comment, turned and yelled, “You know what, let’s call ICE!” That trigger set off a brief but intense verbal flare‑up. Fosado shot back, “Call ICE. Call ICE. I’m a U.S. citizen, war veteran, baby girl. War veteran, two wars. ICE is not gonna do nothing to me. Good luck.” Security quickly intervened, and both fans were escorted out.
Police later noted that Fosado also exhibited “disorderly conduct and public intoxication,” though the video itself captured only the exchange of words and a brief attempt by Kobylarczyk to swipe at Fosado’s phone.
Organizational Reactions: Brewers, Manpower Group, and Beyond
The Brewers issued a statement to Yahoo News on Thursday, October 17, 2025, stressing that they “do not condone offensive statements about race, gender, or national origin” and that the Guest Code of Conduct would be strictly enforced. In a move that underscored the seriousness of the situation, the organization announced a lifetime ban for both individuals, effective immediately.
Meanwhile, Manpower Group placed Kobylarczyk on immediate leave after the video surfaced, and by the following day she was no longer employed. The staffing firm’s public statement highlighted its commitment to “respect, integrity, and accountability.” Kobylarczyk also resigned from her volunteer board position at Make‑a‑Wish Wisconsin, another organization that quickly distanced itself from the controversy.
Fosado, when interviewed by WDJT‑TV on October 16, expressed surprise that Kobylarczyk lost her job, saying, “I don’t think she should have got fired… everybody deserves second chances.” His comment sparked a secondary debate about whether an employee’s off‑duty conduct should impact their employment status.
Legal and Employment Implications
Legal experts quoted in the Financial Express highlighted that most U.S. employers have broad discretion to terminate staff for behavior that tarnishes the company’s reputation, even if the conduct occurs outside the workplace. In Kobylarczyk’s case, the alleged harassment and the public nature of the video gave Manpower Group a defensible basis for dismissal under its code of conduct.
The Milwaukee Police Department’s report, released on October 17, classified Fosado’s actions as disorderly conduct, but no arrest was made. Prosecutors are reportedly reviewing whether the intoxication charge will lead to a citation or a more serious penalty.
Impact on Fan Policy and Stadium Safety
The Brewers’ swift ban sends a clear message to the league: fan misconduct, especially when laced with politically charged language, will not be tolerated. The incident has already prompted Major League Baseball to review its Guest Code of Conduct across all clubs. If a consistent standard is adopted, we could see a nationwide tightening of enforcement, from immediate ejections to permanent bans for repeat offenders.
Fans themselves appear divided. Some social‑media users argue that the ban was an overreaction, pointing to the heated atmosphere of a playoff game. Others applaud the Brewers for taking a stand against “hate‑filled” rhetoric, especially in a sport that prides itself on family‑friendly experiences.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
With the NLCS shifting to Los Angeles for Game 3, the Brewers will likely keep a close eye on future fan interactions. Security officials have hinted at increased patrols in high‑traffic sections and a potential partnership with local law‑enforcement to monitor intoxicated behavior. Meanwhile, advocacy groups on both sides of the immigration debate are using the viral clip to amplify their messages, suggesting that the fallout may linger far beyond the baseball season.
- October 15, 2025 – Verbal altercation erupts during NLCS Game 2.
- October 16, 2025 – FOX6 releases video; police cite Fosado for disorderly conduct.
- October 17, 2025 – Brewers announce lifetime bans; Manpower Group terminates Kobylarczyk.
- Potential policy revisions across MLB slated for early 2026.
Key Takeaways
The episode underscores how quickly a heated moment at a sports venue can become a national conversation about immigration, employer rights, and fan behavior. For the Brewers, the decision to ban both individuals reinforces a zero‑tolerance stance that may reshape stadium etiquette for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this ban affect other fans at American Family Field?
The permanent bans serve as a deterrent, signaling that harassment or threats related to race, nationality, or immigration will not be tolerated. Stadium security plans to increase monitoring, especially in sections where alcohol is served, to prevent similar incidents.
Why was Manpower Group quick to fire Shannon Kobylarczyk?
Company policy ties employee conduct to its public image. When a video of Kobylarczyk’s ICE remark went viral, the firm concluded that her behavior breached its standards of respect and accountability, prompting an immediate termination to protect its brand.
What legal recourse does Ricardo Fosado have?
Fosado could challenge the lifetime ban if he believes it infringes on his rights as a fan, but courts typically uphold venue policies that prioritize safety. He may also contest any citation for disorderly conduct, though the police report already documents his intoxication.
Will Major League Baseball change its fan conduct rules?
MLB officials have confirmed a review of the Guest Code of Conduct. While no official changes have been announced yet, the league is likely to adopt stricter penalties for hate‑based language and physical altercations after the Brewers’ high‑profile response.
How has the incident influenced public discussion on immigration?
The viral clip reignited debates about ICE and immigration enforcement, with some commentators using it to highlight perceived xenophobia in sports arenas, while others argue the focus should remain on fan conduct, not policy. Social media trends show a spike in both pro‑ and anti‑immigration commentary following the video.
