Dodgers Decline ICE Access at Stadium

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Thursday that they denied a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to enter the stadium grounds.

According to the team, the agents asked for access to the parking lot. However, an ICE spokesperson stated via email that they had not attempted to gain entry to Dodger Stadium.

Reports suggested a law enforcement presence outside the stadium earlier that day.

Shortly after officials appeared, protesters made their way toward Dodger Stadium. One Twitter account expressed frustration, saying, “These fascist pigs need to leave our city.” Another account encouraged supporters to gather at Gate E of the stadium to show solidarity.

The Dodgers are expected to announce support for the immigrant community later in the day, although they have remained quiet about the protests happening around the city.

This recently comes on the heels of a controversy involving local artist Nessa, who performed a Spanish rendition of the national anthem as a protest against ICE’s actions. Following her performance, she claimed to have received death threats but said that support from various Latin celebrities had affirmed her choices.

Meanwhile, veteran player Enrique Hernandez shared his thoughts on Instagram, expressing sadness and anger over the ongoing issues in the country and within the city. “I may not have been born or raised here, but this city has embraced me,” he wrote, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Other local sports teams are also voicing support, with Angely City FC of the NWSL distributing “Immigrant City Football Club” t-shirts to fans during their recent game.

The context around these events includes a national day of protests, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, D.C., which also marked Donald Trump’s birthday and the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army.