A coalition of Latino groups is calling on the Los Angeles Dodgers and other local professional sports teams to step off the sidelines as President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown continues to send shockwaves throughout the community.
The coalition, comprised of Little Latin America USA, California Rising, El Salvador Corridor Association, CD1 Coalition, and the L.A. Youth & Family Foundation, has organized a press conference outside Dodger Stadium for Wednesday morning.
“We are calling on the Dodgers and other prominent L.A. sports teams to step up and support our initiative, which engages Latino communities throughout greater Los Angeles,” organizers said in a news release. “This is a vital opportunity for the Dodgers to join us in championing much-needed cultural events and mutual aid efforts that uplift the most vulnerable, many of whom are longtime Dodgers fans and are also adversely affected by ICE enforcement actions.”
The group also plans to share resources for impacted families at Wednesday’s event.
The Dodgers enjoy broad support among Southern California’s Latino community, dating back to 1981 with “Fernandomania,” when Mexico-born pitcher Fernando Valenzuela won the Cy Young Award as a 20-year-old rookie.
The franchise, however, like most pro sports teams, generally avoids weighing in on contentious political topics. To date, only outfielder Enrique “Kike” Hernandez has spoken about the unrest.
“I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city,” posted on Instagram. “This is my second home. And 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.”
On Saturday, Latin American pop singer Nezza defied the team’s wishes and performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” in Spanish before a home game. The performance coincided with widespread protests in metro Los Angeles against Trump’s mass deportation policy, which has led to daily immigration raids.
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