The Dodgers are set to break their silence on the ongoing federal immigration raids in Los Angeles that have much of the team’s fan base living in fear, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday night.
An announcement on the organization’s plans to assist immigrant communities impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection raids, which started in early June, is expected to be released Thursday, according to The Times.
The team’s initial stance to avoid any public comment on the immigration enforcement operations has been something of a political lightning rod in the city.
A coalition of Latino groups made it clear that they want the 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.
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 the “Mass Deportation Program” repeatedly promoted by Trump and his officials.
The Dodgers have since released a statement about Nezza’s performance, saying in part that there were “no hard feelings” and that the team “would be happy to have her back.”
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.”
So far, the only professional sports teams in Los Angeles to make any comments have been Angel City FC and LAFC, according to The Times.
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