Dodgers Donate $1 Million for Families Affected by Immigration Raids
The Los Angeles Dodgers, current World Series champions, have announced a donation of one million dollars to support families impacted by the recent immigration raids in Southern California. In addition, the team plans to establish collaborations with the California Community Foundation, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and other organizations to continue providing assistance to immigrant families.The announcement was made through a press release that, although careful in its language to avoid potentially controversial political terms, did not include an explicit condemnation of federal policy. The team limited itself to indicating that the financial aid would be allocated to “immigrant families affected by recent events in the region”. The Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, expressed his approval of the news: “I think it’s great. I’m sure the money will be allocated the right way. I’m glad to know the Dodgers have done that, and it’s certainly the right thing to do.” The Dodgers briefly found themselves at the center of Southern California opposition to federal immigration policy when the team asked federal agents to leave the stadium grounds on Thursday, after they congregated in a parking lot near one of the gates. Dozens of federal agents with their faces covered arrived at a parking lot near Gate E entrance of the stadium in SUV vehicles and cargo vans. A group of protesters with signs against the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrived shortly after, and the agents finally left. Roberts commented that his players have not extensively discussed the situation in the locker room, but some Dodgers have been paying attention. Enrique Hernández, a native of Puerto Rico, harshly criticized the raids on social media last weekend.What is happening in Los Angeles has resonated among thousands and thousands of people, and we have heard the calls for us to take a leadership role on behalf of those affected. We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.
Stan Kasten, President of the Dodgers
Enrique Hernández’s post about the raids
Baseball Hall of Fame member Jaime Jarrín, the lead Spanish-language announcer for the Dodgers from 1959 until his retirement in 2022, also spoke out against federal actions. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the Dodgers in the team’s press release.Fans and lawmakers have urged the Dodgers for several days to make an unequivocal statement of opposition to the raids, given their vast Latino fan base and their great influence in the region. U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez, who represents the Los Angeles area, took to social media on Friday to ask the Dodgers to speak out. “In a city where 36% of residents are immigrants and nearly 40% of the team’s fanbase is Latino, saying nothing is not just disappointing, it’s a betrayal and an insult,” Gomez wrote. “Silence is not an option. It’s a choice.”I want to thank the Dodgers for leading with this action to support the immigrant community of Los Angeles. These last few weeks have sent shock waves of fear that are spreading throughout all neighborhoods and have had a direct impact on our economy. My message to all Angelenos is clear: we will stand together during this time and we will not turn our backs on each other, that’s what makes this the greatest city in the world.
Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles
