Forget about the danger of using the term “illegal aliens” seriously. Now you can’t use it as a joke, at least if you work for Learfield Communications, which broadcasts North Carolina State’s football games. It has suspended NC State announcer Gary Hahn because he cracked wise about the illegal-alien invasion of El Paso, Texas.

Here's what got NCSU announcer Gary Hahn immediately and indefinitely suspended after today's broadcast: pic.twitter.com/4qkyQ1jzT2

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) December 30, 2022

During the Wolfpack’s game against the University of Maryland Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Hahn gave the score of the Sun Bowl contest between UCLA’s Bruins and the University of Pittsburgh’s Panthers:. “And amongst all the illegal aliens down in El Paso, it’s UCLA 14 and Pittsburgh 6,” Hahn said.

“Wolfpack Sports Properties general manager Kyle Winchester, in a statement relayed by the school, said the broadcaster was suspended ‘from his agreement indefinitely following comments made during today’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl radio broadcast,’” The Associated Press reported:

The Sun Bowl canceled its annual fan fest because the city’s convention center is being used to house migrants awaiting immigration decisions, according to the Raleigh News and Observer.

Hahn, the radio voice for N.C. State since the 1990-91 season and NC Sportscaster of the Year in 2010 and 2020, did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

[NC State announcer suspended after ‘illegal aliens’ remark, December 30, 2022]

So although Hahn was joking, the joke was relevant to the Sun Bowl because the illegal-alien invasion wrecked an event connected to the game.

We must ignore that, however, just as we must ignore the invasion of an American city.

Hahn’s suspension is more proof that Donald Trump is right: “Our country is going communist. This is what happens.”