The NHL's San Jose Sharks apologized for a message on their video scoreboard that referenced the word ICE, the acronym for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), during a game commemorating Hispanic Heritage Night at their arena in California.

The message, which appeared Saturday during the first half of the Sharks' game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and read, “SJ Sharks fans love ice,” in all capital letters.

A video showing the message appearing was posted on social media and drew criticism for its use of the word ICE, a word that California has been a target of the agency’s immigration raids.

The team responded by warning that the message, which had an “offensive tone,” was sent externally and inadvertently displayed on the stadium’s scoreboard.

In addition to the apology, the team said it is investigating the origin of the message.

San Jose was one of dozens of U.S. cities where protesters gathered as part of the second protest 'No Kings', celebrated last Saturday nationwide to oppose the political actions of US President Donald Trump, including the immigration raids carried out by ICE.

The tension over the White House immigration policies has moved to the playing fields, last week a viral confrontation between fans at a Major League Baseball playoff game in Milwaukee.

A Milwaukee Brewers fan, identified as Shannon Kobylarczyk, was captured on video telling a Latino Los Angeles Dodgers fan: "Let's call ICE."

The threat cost the woman her job,a penalty for entering the stadium and the rejection of the community.