For those who think there’s no intersection between politics and Major League Baseball, think again.
The Los Angeles Dodgers said Thursday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to access a stadium parking lot but were denied amid California ICE raids. ICE raids have swept through Southern California over the last several weeks at the orders of President Donald Trump, who has called on officials to attempt the single largest mass deportation program in history.
What Happened Between ICE and the Dodgers on Thursday?
The Dodgers have since put off an announcement for plans to help local immigrants. “Because of the events earlier today, we continue to work with groups that were involved with our programs,” team president Stan Kasten said in a statement Thursday night, according to CBS Sports. “But we are going to have to delay today’s announcement while we firm up some more details. We’ll get back to you soon with the timing.”
According to a tweet/social media post on X, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium on Thursday morning and requested permission to access the parking lots, as previously mentioned. The Los Angeles organization promptly denied them access to the grounds, and the game against the San Diego Padres proceeded as scheduled.
However, the ICE Los Angeles Field Office denies they were present despite video and photo evidence of what appears to be masked federal agents.
False. We were never there. https://t.co/ddvCYzPb3h
— ERO Los Angeles (@EROLosAngeles) June 19, 2025
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has condemned the “illegal militarization of Los Angeles” and called on Trump to rescind the order. The state of California has since sued the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard as well.
The Dodgers franchise’s connection with ICE agents comes after Latin pop singer Nezza performed the national anthem in Spanish on Saturday, instead of the English norm. “With everything that’s been happening, I just felt like I needed to stand with my people and show them that I’m with them,” she told CNN. “I wanted to represent them that day.”
Dodgers may have finally sent a message- Star spangled banner was sang in Spanish for tonight’s game vs Giants. Crowd was pretty supportive, a few eye rolls here and there. pic.twitter.com/d608iI8UFH
— Martha López (@iteachsuperman) June 15, 2025
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts said the situation was unnerving for everyone involved. “I know that when you’re having to bring people in and deport people, all the unrest, it’s certainly unsettling for everyone,” Roberts said on June 13. “But I haven’t dug enough and can’t speak intelligently on it.”
Los Angeles utility player Enrique Hernández was not as diplomatic and said that ICE is ripping the California community to shreds.
“I may not be born & raised, but this city adopted me as one of their own. I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city,” he wrote on social media. “Los Angeles and Dodger fans have welcomed me, supported me, and shown me nothing but kindness and love. 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. #CityOfImmigrants.”
Hernández currently has a .206 batting average, featuring seven home runs and 18 RBIs across 141 at-bats. The situation between ICE and the state of California, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, is ongoing.