'We have to stop this': Immigrant activist speaks out about NC State broadcaster's controversial comments
Posted January 1, 2023 6:58 p.m. EST
Updated January 2, 2023 10:02 a.m. EST
On Friday, longtime Wolfpack Sports Network play-by-play announcer Gary Hahn was suspended indefinitely after making a comment about "illegal aliens in El Paso" during the radio broadcast of the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
"And amongst all the illegal aliens down in El Paso, it's UCLA," said Hahn while giving the score update for the Sun Bowl, which is played in El Paso and featured Pitt and UCLA.
Ivan Almonte is a community organizer; He's worked side-by-side with immigrants in Durham for 20 years.
He said the comments perpetuate hate.
"He did it for a reason. Maybe he doesn't like immigrants," Said Almonte. "Out of a million words or phrases, why use 'the illegal aliens and El Paso?'"
Hahn's comments come amid reports of misery in El Paso – with undocumented immigrants sleeping in the cold and rain. They face uncertainty after the supreme court ruling allowing title 42 to stay in place.
"They see us as intruders, as we are taking over. It is not safe at all because obviously not everyone is pro-immigrant so this kind of behavior must be unacceptable," said Almonte. "We have to stop this."
Almonte believes Hahn deserves to be punished calling it, "An example for other people not to do it."
He worries about an increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric.
"We need to be aware and we need to be ready," said Almonte. "I don't think this is going to stop here."
North Carolina State lost in that game to Maryland, 16-12.
Hahn is an employee of Learfield, which produces games for NC State and other universities; Hahn called games for NC State for nearly 30 years.
WRAL News has reached out to Hahn directly for comment, but has not heard back.
