After increasing pressure on speaking out, the Dodgers in Los Angeles have announced a $1 million commitment to support immigrant families affected by the recent federal immigration attacks in Southern California.
The announcement marks the Dodgers’ first public response after being made Friday after a day’s delay was spurred by the presence of federal agents at the team’s stadium.
“In a partnership with the City of Los Angeles, the Dodgers in Los Angeles have committed $1 million to direct financial support for immigrant families affected by recent events in the area,” read the beginning of the organization’s statement.
The Dodgers have been criticised for staying silent by immigrants, advocacy groups and community leaders, but the financial pledge is just the beginning. The team will share more initiatives “with local communities and labor organizations” in the coming days to further support young people and families affected by the attack.
“We’re committed to providing a great opportunity to help you,” said Stan Kasten, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers. “We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and elevate the Greater Los Angeles community.”
The Dodgers statement also highlighted the team and the city’s “proven ability to gain financial resources from people of critical needs,” and encouraged other organizations to follow suit.
Los Angeles, USA, June 20, 2025: Demonstrators gather outside Dodger Stadium to protest the presence of ice and border patrol agents in the stadium’s parking lot ahead of a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Dodgers said they denied immigration agents access the stadium. Photo: Zin Chiang/DPA (Photo by Zin Chiang/Picture Alliance by Getty Images) June 20, 2025, Los Angeles: To protest the presence of ice and border patrol agents in a parking lot in Los Angeles, demonstrators gather outside Dodger Stadium to precede a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Ego Paddle. Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Dodgers said they denied immigration agents access the stadium. Photo: Zin Chiang/DPA (Zin Chiang/Picture Alliance via Getty Images) Police officers close the gates at the main entrance of Dodger Stadium, facing protesters seeking a boycott of the team, and insist that they will enter Despongenge on June 19, 2025, claiming they are supporting federal immigration efforts in Los Angeles. The team confirmed the basis for the baseball team. (Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images) attempted to access Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2025, but was denied entry by the team. (KTLA 5 News) Fans cheer loudly as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) hit a double against the San Diego Padres in two innings at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on June 17, 2025. On Saturday, June 14th, 2025, the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles (AP Photo/Jesse Arche) Dodgers shoes will speak to the crowd at the baseball team’s World Series Championship Parade and celebration on November 1st, 2024 at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Fans will watch a warm-up at Tokyo Dome on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, before a baseball game in the MLB Tokyo Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo in Japan.
In the days leading up to the announcement, the team faced criticism from fans and immigrant groups to stay silent as the ice operation created fear throughout the LA neighborhood.
The coalition of Latino organizations has urged the Dodgers and other professional sports teams to step up. Last weekend, Latin American pop singer Neza ran “Star Spagurd Banner” in Spanish before his home game, contrary to the team’s reported demands. This coincided with protests against activists called “a massive deportation program,” linked to President Donald Trump’s immigration rhetoric.
The Dodgers later responded to Netza’s performance, saying, “There are no difficult feelings,” and “I’m happy she’s back.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the team’s decision to take action.
“We would like to thank the Dodgers for leading this action in supporting the immigrant community in Los Angeles. Over the past few weeks, we have sent a terrifying shock that will wavy all our neighborhoods, and our message to all Angeleno is clear.
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