In a significant display of solidarity with immigrant communities, the Los Angeles Dodgers blocked ICE agents from entering their stadium during a recent anti-ICE demonstration. The incident unfolded on a busy afternoon when federal agents, clad in tactical gear, arrived around 2:25 p.m. ET but were turned away at the gates. This move came amidst our first-ever city-wide protests demanding the rights of all immigrants in the city.
The Dodgers’ star shortstop has been outspoken in his support for social justice. On Instagram, he posted a touching statement supporting the protesters and denouncing the actions of ICE. In his post, Hernández stated, “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.” You can see the entire post on his Instagram page.
The protesters who marched outside the stadium managed to grab national headlines. They carried signs and loudly shouted catchy rhymes such as “ICE out of L.A.” and “ICE go home.” Thousands of residents pressed the Dodgers to use their influence and stand up. They feel the federal agency’s enforcement actions have negatively impacted local immigrant communities.
To counter the rapidly growing scene, police from Los Angeles were called in to reinforce the Community Engagement Team. Protesters and activists reported seeing unmarked dark SUV vehicles parked across the highway, waiting for the situation to escalate. Eunisses Hernandez, a community activist present during the protests, remarked, “We’re trying to figure out what’s going on. They haven’t left yet.”
Speaking of kings, the Dodgers, defending World Series champs, just got some killer intel. In response to that challenge, they are launching a new initiative to support immigrant communities targeted by recent ICE raids. Though specifics of this pilot program are still to come, it shows a new direction towards advancing the needs of those impacted by harmful immigration enforcement actions.
As events continue to unfold, the Dodgers’ actions signal a broader movement within sports to address social issues and advocate for marginalized communities. The combination of activism from players like Kiké Hernández and community demonstrations underscores a growing demand for justice and equality in Los Angeles.