For more than a week now, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been conducting raids in various cities across the United States, one of them in Los Angeles, where there is a large Latino and other nationalities population. In this situation, the management of the Los Angeles Dodgers have officially confirmed that ICE agents attempted to access Dodger Stadium on Thursday morning, but the organization denied them entry, CNN reported.
Through a post on the social network X, the Los Angeles management detailed the facts of this situation
“This morning, ICE agents arrived at Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. The organization denied them entry. Tonight’s game will be played as scheduled.”
However, the government agency has instilled fear among the illegally resident population, so attendance for the fourth game against the San Diego Padres is expected to decrease.
Images of ICE Agency in the vicinity of Dodger Stadium are released
Photos of government vehicles outside the stadium had already gone viral when the statement was released, generating confusion, concern and criticism among fans across the city. For many in Los Angeles, especially in Latino communities, the sudden presence of ICE struck a chord, as federal raids have ramped up across the area this June.
Although the stadium itself is under the control of the team, the surrounding parking lots are owned by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. Still, the team’s decision to deny access to agents was a clear coincidence with growing pressure for the organization to speak out amid continued immigration crackdowns. The Los Angeles Times reports that the team plans to announce new community support initiatives soon.
The Latino community always supports the Los Angeles Dodgers
Historically, the team has enjoyed strong support from Southern California’s Latino fan base, a relationship forged over decades that began with Fernando Valenzuela’s legendary rookie season in 1981. That deep connection is now being put to the test. So far, only one Dodgers player has spoken out publicly. Puerto Rican Enrique “Kike” Hernandez posted an emotional message on Instagram condemning the raids and expressing his solidarity with the city. “This is my second home. I can’t stand to see our community raped, discriminated against, abused and torn apart,” he said
Singer Nezza made her stance clear on Saturday night by singing the national anthem in Spanish, allegedly against the team’s preference. Her performance coincided with mass protests against what critics call a “Mass Deportation Program” led by federal authorities. In response, the Dodgers said they had no hard feelings and added that they would be happy to have her back.
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