A social media post by the Department of Homeland Security featuring Fenway Park sparked backlash and debate, drawing reactions from fans, politicians and media experts.
The post, shared on X, showed an image of the iconic Boston ballpark alongside the message: “Our nation and our people are worth fighting for.”
While the message itself was straightforward, many questioned why a federal agency — particularly one tied to immigration enforcement — chose the home of the Red Sox as the backdrop.
For some fans, the use of the stadium crossed a line.
“I would appreciate if it was left out of it,” said Quinton Krull.
Others said the meaning of Fenway Park goes beyond politics.
“It means a lot to Boston, but it means, I think, a lot to all of baseball, really,” said Silas Graham.
Graham also questioned the intent behind the post.
“I don’t know if it really has to do with Fenway Park,” Graham said. “I don’t know why they chose Fenway for a picture.”
Debra Stacy, a Red Sox fan from Florida, said the agency should not have used the image at all.
“I’m not for it. I don’t think they should use it,” she said. “If they didn’t get Fenway Park’s permission, I think they should take it down.”
The post quickly drew responses from elected officials.
Sen. Ed Markey replied with an edited image of former President Donald Trump in a Yankees uniform with the phrase “Abolish ICE.”
Rep. Seth Moulton invoked David Ortiz’s famous “This is our [expletive] city” line, which came after the Boston Marathon bombings, after the Department of Homeland Security posted a photo of the home of the Red Sox.
Rep. Seth Moulton referenced Red Sox legend David Ortiz’s 2013 speech following the Boston Marathon bombings.
“This is our [expletive] city, and nobody’s going to dictate our freedom,” Ortiz said after the attacker was apprehended.
Moulton said the Bay State is ready to take on ICE.
“We take this seriously. We take defense of our city and our values seriously, and we take the threat of ICE attacking our community seriously,” he said.
Not all reactions were critical.
Omar Garcia, a Yankees fan, supported the message.
“I’m pro-ICE doing their very best to take out illegal immigrants in a right way,” he said. “Of course, you know, we are humans at the end of the day. But I love the tweet. Go USA.”
Emerson College associate professor Vincent Raynauld said the post appeared designed to generate engagement.
“It appeals to their supporters who see this as a very nostalgic appeal to the older days of the United States … whereas others are seeing this as a direct attack, and maybe the way in which people are reacting to this will dictate how the Trump administration will be moving forward,” Raynauld said.
In a statement, DHS defended the post, saying, “Our unique achievements in sports and culture are worth defending, and DHS will continue to promote Americanism in the public square.”
Fenway Sports Group was not involved in the post.