LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers, a cornerstone of Southern California’s cultural identity, announced a $1 million pledge on Friday to support families affected by recent immigration enforcement operations in the region.
The commitment, made in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, aims to provide direct financial assistance to those in critical need, marking the team’s first public response to two weeks of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that have sparked protests and fear across the city.
The announcement follows a controversial incident on Thursday, June 19, 2025, when the Dodgers claimed they denied federal agents access to Dodger Stadium’s parking lots.
The team’s statement on X read, “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.”
However, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputed this, with ICE stating on X, “False. We were never there,” and DHS clarifying that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) vehicles were briefly present in the parking lot for reasons “unrelated to any operation or enforcement” and “had nothing to do with the Dodgers.”
The Dodgers’ pledge comes after mounting pressure from fans, community leaders, and advocacy groups, particularly given the team’s significant Latino fan base, which constitutes nearly 40% of its supporters.
Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten emphasized the team’s responsibility to act, stating, “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.
We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the initiative, 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.”
The funds will be distributed through partnerships with organizations like the California Community Foundation and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, with additional initiatives planned to address food insecurity, mental health services, and basic essentials for affected families.
The Dodgers also expressed hope that their action would inspire other organizations to provide similar support.
Related: ICE Is Now Taking U.S. Citizens in Racial Profiling Incidents
The Dodger Stadium Incident: What Happened?
On Thursday morning, federal agents were spotted near Dodger Stadium’s Gate E, prompting protests from community activists who gathered to oppose what they perceived as ICE operations.
Local media reported dozens of agents in tactical gear, some without visible badges, leading to speculation about their purpose.
Community activist Chelsea Kirk, who followed a van from a Hollywood Home Depot where detentions occurred, told CNN she saw agents near Gate A around 8:15 a.m., stating, “They bring the detainees there to process them… they can’t do it in the Home Depot parking lot because the public makes it too dangerous.”
The Dodgers’ initial claim of denying ICE agents entry was quickly challenged by federal authorities.
A DHS spokesperson clarified that CBP, not ICE, was briefly present, and their activities were unrelated to the Dodgers or the stadium.
This discrepancy fueled online debate, with some X users criticizing the Dodgers for allegedly exaggerating their stance against ICE, while others praised the team for taking a stand.
A source familiar with Dodgers operations told NBC News that federal agents had not been allowed to use stadium property for staging but noted that Los Angeles police had previously used the parking lots during protests.
The incident delayed the Dodgers’ planned announcement of their $1 million pledge, originally set for Thursday, as the team sought to clarify details amid the unfolding controversy.
Broader Context of ICE Raids and Community Sentiment
The Dodgers’ actions come amid intensified immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has prioritized mass deportations.
ICE reported over 66,000 arrests in the first 100 days of Trump’s second term, with operations targeting cities like Los Angeles.
On June 7, 2025, Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to support federal agents, overriding objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The raids, which began June 6, 2025, at locations like Home Depot and apparel warehouses, have disrupted communities, with reports of families separated and businesses closing early due to fear.
Dodgers player Enrique “Kiké” Hernández voiced his frustration on Instagram, writing, “This is my second home. And I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart.”
Latin pop singer Nezza also made headlines by performing the national anthem in Spanish at a Dodgers game on June 15, defying the team’s request to sing in English, as a show of solidarity with the immigrant community.
The Dodgers’ pledge has been met with mixed reactions. Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who was at the stadium during Thursday’s protests, told KABC-TV, “Businesses and corporations have the power to say, ‘Not on my property,’ and we’re waiting to see that movement happen here.”
U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez, representing Los Angeles, urged the team to speak out, writing on Facebook, “In a city where 36% of the residents are immigrants… saying nothing is not just disappointing — it’s a betrayal and an insult.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed support for the pledge, stating, “I think it’s great. I’m sure the money is going to be allocated in the right way.
I’m happy to hear that the Dodgers have done that, and it’s certainly the right thing to do.”
However, some X users criticized the Dodgers, with posts calling for boycotts and accusing the team of supporting “illegal aliens” after allegedly “dissing” ICE agents.
The Dodgers, World Series champions in 2024, have long been a symbol of Los Angeles’ diverse identity, particularly for Latino fans who embraced “Fernandomania” in the 1980s with pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.
By committing $1 million and planning further community efforts, the team aims to reclaim its role as a unifying force in a city grappling with division and fear.
As Los Angeles navigates this turbulent period, the Dodgers’ actions signal a commitment to their community, though questions remain about the precise impact of their pledge and their handling of the federal agent incident.
With additional initiatives expected soon, the team’s response may set a precedent for how cultural institutions address social crises.
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