Community leaders call on Dodgers to ‘take a public stand' against immigration raids
LOS ANGELES – A group of more than 50 Los Angeles community, religious and union leaders sent a letter on Friday calling on the Los Angeles Dodgers 'to take a public stand against the indiscriminate ICE raids which are terrorizing our communities, hurting businesses, and separating families,' a day after the team said it denied federal immigration agents access to parking lots around its stadium.
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The Dodgers were set to announce plans Thursday to work with various community groups in Los Angeles impacted by President Donald Trump's recent crackdown on immigration and the militarized raids that began in the city on June 6. But that statement was delayed after federal agents arrived at the Sunset Gate in front of Dodger Stadium on Thursday morning seeking to process detainees. The organization said the federal agents were denied access, while the Department of Homeland Security said the visit was 'unrelated to any operation or enforcement.'
'This is the moment for the Dodgers to stand with the families whom masked agents are tearing apart,' the community groups wrote in the letter, which included a petition organized by faith-based organizing groups PICO California and LA Voice, and was sent to the team's controlling owner, Mark Walter, and the organization. 'Children who may have sat in your seats enjoying a game now come home with no parents to receive them and no word of their whereabouts or well being other than reports of inhumane treatment in detention centers across California and the Southwest.'
The Dodgers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.
On Thursday, Dodgers president Stan Kasten announced a postponement of the Dodgers' plans to announce assistance to immigrant groups.
'Because of the events earlier today, we continue to work with groups that were involved with our programs,' Kasten said. '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.'
Within the letter to Dodgers ownership, the petition called on the team to:
'At every Dodger home game right before the players are announced, Todd Leitz ('the voice of Dodger Stadium') says to the crowd, 'And now, YOUR World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers!'' the letter read. 'If these truly are OUR beloved Los Angeles Dodgers, we need you, more than ever, to stand with us, immigrants and non-immigrants alike. Stand with all of us.'
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The organization has received backlash from its vast Latino fanbase, with anti-ICE protestors arriving on scene Thursday morning when images of federal vehicles outside of the Dodger Stadium parking lots first started circulating on social media. Activists called for a stronger public response from the Dodgers and a protest on Saturday at Dodger Stadium.
'We love the Dodgers not only because they are champions, but even more because they are the team of Jackie Robinson, of Fernando Valenzuela, of Kiké Hernandez — baseball players who have helped bend the moral arc of the universe towards justice,' said Joseph Tomás McKellar, executive director of PICO California, which organized the petition, in a statement. 'This is a moment when the Dodgers, a beloved family and cultural institution for 67 years, can take a moral stand and make an impact on the lives of vulnerable families in our region. Families are sacred.'
The letter points to public statements from Angel City FC and LAFC in support of immigrants.
'When masked agents take away our parents, our family, our neighbors—when those agents violate the rights of citizens and residents alike, we all must stand up and say, 'I do not approve, and I will not be silent,'' LA Voice executive director Rev. Zachary Hoover said in a statement. 'The Dodgers are a symbol of Los Angeles' richness. May they also be a symbol of our love of our families.'
Hernández has been the lone Dodgers player to issue a public statement on the matter, posting on Instagram on Saturday night to give his support to the immigrant communities affected by the raids.
'I may not be Born & Raised, but this city adopted me as one of their own,' Hernández wrote in his post. 'I am saddened and infuriated by what's happening in our country and our city. 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.'
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The Dodgers already received backlash this week after singer and social media personality Nezza opted to perform the official Spanish version of the United States national anthem at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night, later posting a video showing an unidentified Dodgers employee telling her not to do it. She told CNN's 'The Lead' this week that the Dodgers 'called and said, 'Don't ever call us again. Don't ever email us again. The rest of your clients are never welcome here again.' So for me, that kind of feels like a ban.'
A team spokesperson said there were 'no hard feelings' and that the singer was not banned from the stadium.
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