Amid growing protests over recent raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in downtown Los Angeles, Oscar De La Hoya has broken his silence with a strong message in defense of immigrants.
The former boxing champion and current promoter spoke out days after his fighter, Ryan Garcia, also criticized the operations-despite his past support for former President Donald Trump.
The raids, which targeted workplaces in the downtown area, have sparked outrage across the city. Dozens of undocumented workers, most of them Mexican, were reportedly detained without warning, leading to community unrest and calls for action.
Ryan Garcia: political support with limits
Garcia shocked many of his followers by publicly denouncing the ICE operations. “I may have voted for Trump, but I can’t stay quiet about what’s happening with ICE in LA,” he posted on social media. “They’re not just ‘illegals’ or statistics-they’re people. Hardworking immigrants who build our communities. We can have borders without losing our humanity.”
His remarks quickly went viral, especially among Latino fans, who make up a large portion of his audience. Garcia’s comments ignited debate around the role of Latino public figures in addressing immigration and other social issues.
De La Hoya: “Immigrants are part of our soul”
Oscar De La Hoya, who grew up in East Los Angeles and remains a cultural icon, echoed Garcia’s sentiments in an interview with USA TODAY Sports.
“It breaks my heart to see what’s happening in LA right now. Growing up here, I saw firsthand how vital immigrants are to this city-they are our friends, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and loved ones. Latinos are among the hardest-working people in the world, and their contributions strengthen every corner of our communities.”
As a respected voice both in and out of the ring, De La Hoya’s support carries weight. His words resonate deeply with the same communities now facing fear and uncertainty due to immigration enforcement.
Local voices, national impact
Both Garcia and De La Hoya have massive followings in Southern California, particularly among the Latino population. Their public stance may help shape public opinion and influence future political discussions around immigration policy.
In a time of growing division, their message is clear: defending hardworking families is not about politics-it’s about humanity.
Read the full article here
