Dodgers block federal agents amid immigration protests

The Los Angeles Dodgers have asserted that they prevented federal agents from entering their stadium on Thursday, coinciding with ongoing protests against immigration enforcement in the city. In a statement shared on social media, the team revealed that "ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots," but were ultimately refused entry.

Los Angeles is one of the cities where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified its operations to locate and deport undocumented immigrants. In response to the Dodgers' announcement, ICE refuted the claims, stating, "False. We were never there."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also issued a clarification, noting that the agents' presence at the stadium was unrelated to any enforcement actions. "CBP vehicles were in the stadium parking lot very briefly, unrelated to any operation or enforcement," the DHS remarked, leaving the reason for their visit unexplained.

Reports suggest that the Dodgers are preparing to announce support for immigrants affected by the recent raids, marking the team’s first formal response to the escalating situation. Player Kiké Hernández expressed his discontent via Instagram, stating he feels "saddened and infuriated by what's happening in our country and our city." He described Los Angeles as his "second home" and emphasized the community's struggles against profiling and abuse.

This crackdown on immigration in Los Angeles is part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to adopt a tougher stance on immigration. The policy has incited widespread protests and prompted the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to assist federal authorities in managing the unrest.

The situation unfolds as the administration seeks to boost arrest and deportation rates, reflecting dissatisfaction with current enforcement levels. White House border czar Tom Homan announced that the Trump administration plans to resume immigration raids at workplaces, emphasizing that enforcement actions will focus first on individuals with criminal records.