The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly denied access to federal agents at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, amid rising tensions over immigration enforcement actions in the city. The move came as demonstrations against intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids continue across Los Angeles.
In a post on social media, the Dodgers confirmed that “ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots,” but were turned away by team officials. The team’s swift response has been interpreted as a stand of solidarity with the city’s immigrant population, particularly its Latino fan base.
DHS Claims No ICE Involvement
While ICE later denied the presence of its agents at the stadium, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel were briefly at the location for reasons “unrelated to any operation or enforcement.” DHS emphasized that the agents’ presence “had nothing to do with the Dodgers.”
Local reports stated that dozens of federal agents were seen near one of the stadium’s main entrances early Thursday, with protesters arriving shortly thereafter. Despite the commotion, the Dodgers’ scheduled game against the San Diego Padres went ahead as planned later in the day.
LA Dodgers Expected to Support Immigrant Community
Sources suggest the team is expected to soon announce initiatives to assist immigrants affected by the recent federal raids. While no official statement has yet been released, it would mark the organization’s first public action addressing the crackdown.
Dodgers outfielder Kiké Hernández, a prominent Latino player, voiced his frustration on Instagram, saying he was “saddened and infuriated” by the events in Los Angeles. “This is my second home. And I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart,” he wrote.
Trump’s Crackdown on Immigration Intensifies
The increased ICE activity is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown during his second term. Over 66,000 arrests have reportedly been made in the first 100 days alone. Trump has also deployed 700 U.S. Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to assist with operations in Los Angeles.
White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed that worksite raids will resume, targeting sectors such as agriculture and hospitality, with criminals being the top priority.
