Women's soccer club owned by Disney CEO Bob Iger and wife rips ICE raids — and brands itself ‘Immigrant City FC'
The women's professional soccer team co-owned by Disney boss Robert Iger and his wife Willow Bay has come out against the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement actions in the club's home city of Los Angeles — and branded itself 'Immigrant City FC' amid the controversy.
Angel City FC, the National Women's Soccer League Team for which the Igers paid around $100 million for a controlling stake last year, posted a message on its official Instagram account over the Juneteenth holiday.
The team said it was 'heartbroken by the fear and uncertainty many in our Los Angeles community are feeling right now,' referring to ICE raids in LA that have become a flashpoint in the simmering national debate over undocumented migrants.
Advertisement
5 Angel City FC, the Los Angeles-based women's professional soccer team whose ownership group includes Disney CEO Bob Iger and his journalist wife Willow Bay, has come out against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Getty Images
The post continued: 'At Angel City, we believe in the power of belonging. We know that our city is stronger because of its diversity and the people and families who shape it, love it, and call it home.'
The statement is part of a larger campaign launched by Angel City FC called 'Immigrant City F.C.,' which includes the distribution of 10,000 bilingual T-shirts at a recent home match, according to the news site Deadline.
The initiative was backed by the team's ownership group, including high-profile figures like Eva Longoria, Uzo Aduba, Jessica Chastain and America Ferrera.
Advertisement
All net proceeds from the shirt sales are being donated to Camino Immigration Services, a nonprofit law firm that represents undocumented migrants.
While Iger is not involved in day-to-day management of the club, the Disney chief and his wife, who have gained a reputation for wanting to steer clear of political controversies, both signed off on the 'Immigrant City' campaign and were consulted through every step, according to Deadline.
Los Angeles sports teams have been roped into the immigration debate in the last couple of days. The Dodgers, one of two LA-based Major League Baseball clubs, said they denied permission to federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security to gain access to Dodger Stadium's parking lot.
Advertisement
5 Protesters were seen outside Dodger Stadium on Thursday after federal agents allegedly tried to gain access to the venue's parking lot.
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
The federal agents instead set up shop just outside of the stadium at Chavez Ravine — prompting protesters to descend on the scene.
The Post has sought comment from Disney, Bay and the Angel City FC club.
Iger, meanwhile, has been criticized along with other media executives for bending the knee to President Donald Trump.
Advertisement
In December 2024, Disney, the parent company of ABC, agreed to a $16 million settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit brought by Trump.
The case stemmed from repeated on-air statements by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos, who said Trump had been 'found liable for rape' in the E. Jean Carroll civil trial.
5 Angel City FC posted a message on its official Instagram account.
In fact, Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation, not rape. After a federal judge in Florida denied Disney's motions to dismiss, and with discovery looming, the company agreed to pay $15 million to Trump's presidential foundation and museum, along with $1 million in legal fees.
Earlier this month, Disney-owned ABC News faced another controversy when veteran correspondent Terry Moran was fired following a viral post on X.
In the post, Moran called Trump and White House adviser Stephen Miller 'world-class haters,' claiming Miller's 'hatreds serve as his spiritual sustenance.' The post triggered swift condemnation from the White House, with Vice President JD Vance calling the remarks 'vile.'
ABC suspended Moran within hours, citing a violation of its editorial standards, and shortly after announced his departure from the network.
5 Federal agents stage outside Gate E of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday.
AP
Advertisement
Before President Trump was elected to a second term, Disney found itself at the center of America's cultural battles. Detractors, especially on the right, have accused Disney of being too political.
In 2020, Disney publicly criticized Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act — dubbed the 'Don't Say Gay' law by opponents — which limited how gender identity and sexual orientation could be discussed in schools.
After initially staying quiet, the company reversed course under pressure from employees and the public.
That shift drew the ire of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who moved to strip Disney of its special governing district, Reedy Creek — a privilege the company had enjoyed for more than 50 years. The dispute dragged on for two years, landing in court before a settlement was reached in 2024.
Advertisement
5 Fans hold up signs opposing recent ICE raids during a game between the Angel City FC and the North Carolina Courage at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on June 14.
NWSL via Getty Images
Conservatives have been critical of Disney's handling of LGBTQ themes in its programming—particularly content aimed at children.
The most recent example involves the animated series 'Win or Lose,' in which Disney reportedly removed a transgender storyline involving a character originally portrayed as transitioning.
Advertisement
While the character remained in the show, key dialogue and narrative elements tied to their gender identity were cut before the series aired on Disney+.
The company stated that such topics are best left to parents to address with their children—a move that was praised by many conservative viewers as a reasonable and respectful approach.
In 2022, the company was criticized for initially removing — and then restoring — a same-sex kiss in 'Lightyear,' prompting international bans and boycotts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
9 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson apologizes for red card in Club World Cup loss to Flamengo
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nicolas Jackson apologized to Chelsea fans after he was sent off with a red card during the team's 3-1 loss to Flamengo in the Club World Cup on Friday. Trailing the Brazilians 2-1, the striker was sent off in the 68th minute with a straight red just four minutes after replacing Liam Delap for a studs-up tackle on Flamengo defender Ayrton Lucas. 'I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card ... and honestly, I'm so angry at myself,' he wrote on Instagram. 'I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this situation.' The red means that the Senegalese international won't be available to play on Tuesday when Chelsea faces Esperance with a spot in the round of 16 on the line. Jackson was also shown a red card last month in Chelsea's 2-0 loss to Newcastle. 'It happened against Newcastle and it happened today. Probably today I am not 100 percent sure it's a red card compared to the Newcastle one,' Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said. 'So it's a little bit of a bad moment for Nico in this kind of things.' FIFA could give Jackson a longer suspension if it chooses to review the tackle. 'I'll reflect, I'll grow and I'll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me,' Jackson concluded his post. 'Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.' ___ AP soccer:
New York Post
11 minutes ago
- New York Post
Another buyer has made offer for Rays in potential twist
Another potential Rays buyer has thrown a hat in the ring. Trip Miller, the founder of a Memphis hedge fund, is the latest to join the billionaire race to own the Rays as he created a group that made an all-cash offer to Rays owner Stu Sternberg, according to The Athletic. 'We made an offer last week,' Miller said, per The Athletic. 'We have had contact with the club over the past month, specifically about our offer. 4 Rays' current owner, Stuart Sternberg, answered reporters' questions in March. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images 'If there is an exclusivity period that expires soon, and I don't know when it expires, we would welcome the opportunity to have a deeper discussion with the Rays about our offer.' It was reported Wednesday that Sternberg was in 'advanced talks' to sell the franchise with a group led by Jacksonville homebuilder Patrick Zalupski having executed a letter of intent to purchase the club. 4 Patrick Zalupski is the founder, chairman and CEO of Dream Finders Homes, a Florida-based homebuilder. University of Florida Zalupski's group's offer was reported to be $1.7 billion, according to Sportico. As for Miller's offer, he did not reveal the number but included that he and his group are willing to raise the number if necessary. The Rays are currently in need of a new stadium as they can't play at Tropicana Field after the stadium sustained damage from Hurricane Milton in October 2024. Tampa Bay has instead played at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa — home to the Yankees' spring training and Low-A team. 4 Tropicana Field was ravaged by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. AFP via Getty Images The stadium issue is something that MLB is hoping a new owner would solve, as Sternberg had a deal in place to begin building a new 30,000-capacity stadium in downtown St. Petersburg before the plans ended because of financing delays. 'The league, that's what they're looking for — someone who can not only buy the club but solves the stadium problem,' Miller said. While finding a new stadium is a priority, relocating out of Central Florida is seemingly not an option. 4 Rays legend Evan Longoria puts on a jersey after signing an honorary one-day contract, alongside current Rays owner Stu Sternberg. AP 'This is not a relocation play to another state,' Miller said. 'You won't see the Rays relocating out of Central Florida, whether it was our group or another group.' Miller said that Orlando is not out of the realm of possibilities for relocation and that, all in all, the total investment for the team and a new stadium will be more than $3 billion.
New York Post
12 minutes ago
- New York Post
Anti-Israel protester Mahmoud Khalil speaks out after release from Louisiana lockup
Anti-Israel protester Mahmoud Khalil lamented leaving behind some 'incredible men' on Friday as he left a Louisiana detention facility, which he hopes becomes a museum to what he described as 'America's racist policies.' 'I leave some incredible men behind me, over 1,000 people behind me, in a place where they shouldn't have been in the first place,' Khalil told reporters after walking out of the La Salle Detention Facility in Jena, La. 'I hope the next time that I will be in Jena is to actually visit this as a museum on America's racist policies against immigrants,' the former Columbia University student added. 3 Khalil said he'll join his wife and child in New York after being released from a federal detention center in Louisiana. AP After being picked up by federal immigration authorities on March 8, Khalil spent 104 days at the rural Louisiana detention center as the Trump administration fought to deport the Syrian-born permanent resident for allegedly engaging in activities 'aligned to Hamas,' a Palestinian terror group, while studying at Columbia. 'The Trump administration are doing their best to dehumanize everyone here,' Khalil charged outside the detention center, 'whether you are a US citizen, an immigrant, or just a person on this land doesn't mean that you are less of a human.' '[President Trump] and his administration, they chose the wrong person for this,' he said defiantly. 'That doesn't mean that there is a right person.' Khalil, wearing a keffiyeh, went on to slam his alma mater, accusing the Ivy League school of 'investing in the genocide of the Palestinian people.' 'There is no right person who should be detained, who are actually protesting a genocide, for protesting their university – Columbia University – that is investing in the genocide of the Palestinian people,' he said. Newark federal Judge Michael Farbiarz, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, ordered Khalil's release earlier Friday, finding that the Trump administration may be unfairly holding him in retaliation for his outspoken stance against Israel's war with Hamas. Farbiarz determined that Khalil is not a flight risk and 'not a danger to the community.' 3 Khalil said the Trump administration 'chose the wrong person for this.' AP 3 Khalil spent 104 days at the detention facility in Jena, La. DAN ANDERSON/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The anti-Israel activist said the first thing he'll do when he returns home to New York is 'just hug my wife and son.' Khalil's wife, an American citizen, gave birth to their son in April while her husband was being held in the Louisiana facility. 'The only time I spent with my son was a specified one-hour limit that the government had imposed on us … so that means that now I can actually hug him and Noor, my wife, without looking at the clock,' Khalil said. 'The moment you enter this facility, your rights leave you, leave you behind,' he continued. 'So, once you enter there, you see a different reality – just a different reality about this country that supposedly champions human rights and liberty and justice.' 'But once you cross, literally, that door, you see that opposite side of what's actually happening in this country.' Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin slammed Farbiarz ruling and told The Post she expects a higher court to order Khalil's return to federal custody. 'An immigration judge, not a district judge, has the authority to decide if Mr. Khalil should be released or detained,' McLaughlin said in a statement. 'On the same day an immigration judge denied Khalil bond and ordered him removed, one rogue district judge ordered him released.' 'This is yet another example of how out of control members of the judicial branch are undermining national security. Their conduct not only denies the result of the 2024 election, it also does great harm to our constitutional system by undermining public confidence in the courts.' McLaughlin argued that 'it is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live and study in the United States of America' and that the Trump administration 'acted well within its statutory and constitutional authority to detain Khalil, as it does with any alien who advocates for violence, glorifies and supports terrorists, harasses Jews, and damages property.' 'An immigration judge has already vindicated this position. We expect a higher court to do the same.'
