Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted to access Dodger Stadium on Thursday morning but were denied entry by the team, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Images of government vehicles quickly spread on social media, prompting widespread speculation and criticism from fans, many of whom questioned the agents’ presence at the stadium.
While the stadium grounds are affiliated with the team, the parking areas are owned by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The appearance of ICE agents comes as the Dodgers prepare to break their silence on the ongoing federal immigration raids in Los Angeles — operations that have left much of the team’s Latino fan base on edge.
The Dodgers’ initial decision to remain publicly silent has drawn sharp criticism and become a political flashpoint in the city. To date, Enrique “Kiké” Hernández is the only player to speak out about the raids.
The Times was the first to report that the organization plans to announce initiatives aimed at supporting immigrant communities affected by raids that began in early June.
A coalition of Latino advocacy groups has urged the Dodgers and other local professional sports teams to speak out as President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown continues to reverberate across Los Angeles communities.
On Saturday, singer Nezza defied the team’s reported request to perform the national anthem in English, instead singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in Spanish before a home game. Her performance coincided with widespread protests across metro Los Angeles against what critics call a “Mass Deportation Program” promoted by Trump and federal officials.
The Dodgers later issued a statement regarding Nezza’s performance, saying there were “no hard feelings” and that the team “would be happy to have her back.”
The organization has long enjoyed deep support from Southern California’s Latino community, a connection dating back to 1981’s “Fernandomania,” when Mexico-born pitcher Fernando Valenzuela won the Cy Young Award as a 20-year-old rookie.
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