Dodgers break silence on ICE raids, pledge support for immigrants
A fan arrives for a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
LOS ANGELES – After delaying an announcement by a day due to federal activity at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers broke their silence Friday on the immigration raids rattling the region, pledging $1 million in partnership with the city to support immigrant families facing economic hardship.
The team had drawn criticism on social media for staying quiet amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions in the region.
In a statement Friday afternoon, the team stated, “The Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles have a proven ability to get financial resources to those in critical need, most recently seen in their efforts to aid victims of the January wildfires. Through our support of the city’s efforts, the Dodgers will encourage those organizations in a similar position to use their resources to directly support the families and workers who have suffered economic hardship.”
Fans arrive for a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
In the coming days, the Dodgers officials said they plan to make additional announcements alongside local community and labor organizations — including the California Community Foundation and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor — to support youth and families with food insecurity, basic necessities and mental health services.
“What’s happening in Los Angeles has reverberated among thousands upon thousands of people, and we have heard the calls for us to take a leading role on behalf of those affected,” Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten said.
“We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.”
Fans arrive for a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Mayor Karen Bass praised the team’s commitment, saying, “I want to thank the Dodgers for leading with this action to support the immigrant community of Los Angeles. These last weeks have sent shockwaves of fear rippling through every neighborhood and have had a direct impact on our economy. My message to all Angelenos is clear: We will stick together during this time and we will not turn our backs on one another — that’s what makes this the greatest city in the world.”
Before the team made their announcement Friday and while facing mounting pressure to comment publicly, Dodgers infielder Kiké Hernández spoke out on Instagram on Saturday, writing, “I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city. I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.”
Reports surfaced Thursday that ICE agents were seen outside Dodger Stadium, allegedly trying to use the parking lot as a staging area.
According to a team statement posted on X, “This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and\ requested permission to access the parking lots.
They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Tonight’s game will be played as scheduled.”
ICE responded on X, calling the claim “false” and saying agents were never at the stadium.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security later clarified that Customs and Border Protection vehicles were briefly in the lot for unrelated reasons and the visit had “nothing to do with the Dodgers.”
The sightings sparked a protest near one of the parking gates, drawing a crowd that chanted at the federal agents. Los Angeles Police Department officers responded, but no incidents were reported.
The Dodgers found themselves at the center of related controversy last weekend after singer and social media figure Nezza performed the national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium — a move intended as a protest against recent immigration raids. A team staffer had reportedly asked her to sing in English, but she chose otherwise.
The Los Angeles City Council honored Nezza Wednesday with an invitation to perform the national anthem in council chambers. Her 90-second Spanish-language rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” drew a standing ovation from council members, staff and attendees. (CNS)
