The Los Angeles Dodgers reported that they denied entry to federal agents at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, amidst ongoing protests against intensified immigration enforcement in the city.
The team’s social media post stated that ICE agents requested access to stadium parking lots but were refused entry.
Los Angeles is experiencing a surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants for deportation.
ICE subsequently refuted the Dodgers’ claim on X, stating, “False. We were never there.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also issued a statement asserting that the agents’ presence at the stadium was “unrelated to the Dodgers.”
DHS clarified that CBP vehicles were briefly present in the stadium parking lot, unconnected to any operation or enforcement activity. The reason for their presence remains unclear.
This follows reports that the Dodgers are preparing to announce support for immigrants affected by the city’s raids.
While details remain undisclosed, this would mark the team’s official response to the increased enforcement actions.
Dodgers player Kiké Hernández publicly criticized the raids on Instagram, expressing sadness and anger at the situation impacting his community in Los Angeles.
He voiced his opposition to the targeting, profiling, and abuse of the community he considers his second home.
The intensified crackdown in Los Angeles reflects President Trump’s stricter immigration policies.
The resulting widespread protests prompted the deployment of 700 US Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area to support federal response efforts.
These raids in America’s second-largest city are part of a broader push to increase arrests and deportations, reflecting the administration’s dissatisfaction with the current pace.
White House border czar Tom Homan announced on Thursday that the Trump administration will resume immigration raids at worksites.
Homan stated that worksite enforcement operations, including farms and hotels, will continue, prioritizing criminals.
This follows DHS’s recent reversal of guidance that had previously called for a pause on such operations.
The Trevor Project, involved in providing services, deemed this change “incomprehensible”.
Other notable figures, including representatives from Oracle, Microsoft, and the founder of OnlyFans, have been mentioned in connection with the president’s efforts to negotiate a deal.
Further escalating tensions, reports indicate that Donald Trump is considering joining Israel’s campaign against Iran.
March set a record for Irish exports to the US, reaching $25 billion (£18.7 billion).
President Trump stated, “nobody knows what I’m going to do” regarding a potential strike on Iran.