Federal immigration agents attempted to use the parking lots at Dodger Stadium for operations related to ongoing raids in Los Angeles County but were denied permission by the Dodgers organization. On Thursday morning, agents set up a staging area near the stadium, leading to increased tension in the community. Dozens of federal agents, dressed in tactical gear and covering their faces, gathered near the Gate E entrance before embarking on various operations.
Local officials were alerted by Los Angeles City Council District 1 employees, prompting the LAPD to inform the Dodgers’ management. The Dodgers’ official account on social media platform X reported, “This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization.” The statement clarified that the evening’s game would proceed as scheduled.
Responses from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) insisted that the agents’ presence was unrelated to any organized actions at the stadium. Shortly after 11 a.m., several federal agents remained at the site, drawing attention and frustration from local officials, such as Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. She called for the agents to leave the private property, emphasizing that businesses have the right to deny their presence.
Protests emerged in response to the agents’ location, with LAPD forming a line to separate demonstrators from the federal personnel. However, the situation remained peaceful until the area was cleared around 1:30 p.m.
In a related development, the Dodgers are expected to announce new plans aimed at supporting Los Angeles’ immigrant communities, a response to growing criticism for their previous silence on federal immigration enforcement actions. Infielder Kiké Hernandez had previously shared his distress over the situation, calling for respect, dignity, and human rights for all people in the community.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in Los Angeles and the role of local organizations in supporting affected communities. The Dodgers’ forthcoming plans may signal a commitment to advocacy and solidarity with those impacted by immigration policies.