For almost two weeks, silence sat heavy around the valley of Chavez.
As ice attacks rattle the migrant neighborhoods, National Guard trucks rolled around East LA, seeing loved ones pulled out of their homes and jobs in the early morning darkness, many in the community waited for the Dodgers, Dodgers -. Any sign. Tweet. statement. A faint sense of solidarity.
That moment finally came on a Friday afternoon.
The Los Angeles Dodgers broke their silence with massive commitments after increasing backlash for several days and increasing public pressure. A $1 million pledge to support immigrant families affected by the recent federal immigration attacks across Los Angeles County. The joint initiative with the City of Los Angeles will direct the funds towards direct financial support for families working on fallout.
In a partnership with the City of Los Angeles, the Dodgers have committed $1 million to direct financial support for immigrant families affected by recent events in the area. Additional community efforts to be announced in the coming days.
– Los Angeles Dodgers (@dodgers) June 20, 2025
And then something else came – voice.
“It echoed among thousands of people what was going on in Los Angeles,” said Stan Kasten, the team’s president and CEO. “We’ve heard what we’re asking to take a leading role on behalf of those affected. By committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and elevate our Greater Los Angeles community.”
The presentation was not easy. A tense confrontation between protesters and federal ice agents was delayed nearly 24 hours after erupting early Thursday. According to a tweet from the club, the agent tried to gain access to the stadium’s parking lot, but team security denied entry. No arrests were made, but the clashes have promoted tensions that have been simmering since the attack began earlier this month.
This morning, the ice agent came to Dodger Stadium and asked for permission to access the parking lot. They were denied entry to the basis by the organization. Tonight’s game will play on schedule.
– Los Angeles Dodgers (@dodgers) June 19, 2025
Up until now, the Dodgers were often praised for their community presence – the Dodgers were notably silent. There are no press releases. There are no social media statements. As National Guard boots hit the pavement, the curfew reshaped Southland’s night rhythm. That silence spoke volume for many.
So when the team finally spoke and acted, it was both a response and a calculation.
Under the new plan, the Dodgers and city officials will work closely with the California Community Foundation, the LA County Labor Federation, and other grassroots organizations embedded in already affected areas. Support does not stop when checking. In the coming days, additional initiatives are expected to tackle food insecurity, provide mental health services and provide basic necessities for families caught up in a whirlwind they don’t want.
“I want to thank the Dodgers for leading the action,” Mayor Karen Bass said. “These last few weeks sent shockwaves of terror that wavy all our neighborhoods, directly affecting our economy. The message to all Angelenos is clear. During this time, we will stick together.
Baseball is more than just a game. On a Sunday afternoon at Elysian Park, Boyle Heights’ backyard radio broadcast, Dodger was shared between his father and son between his son, who knew the names of Valenzuela, Otani, Koufax, Garvey and Kershaw.
The Dodgers are more than just a team in Los Angeles. In many homes, they are in Los Angeles.
That’s why silence hurts. And why is this important step important?
It’s not just a million dollar check. It’s what you show up when your people need you the most. About recognizing that immigrant communities are the lifeblood of the city and have spanned generations. They stitch uniforms, clean seats, and line up for hours just to sit in the bleachers and cheer on the family-minded team.
This is not the finish line. That’s the starting point.
Today I’ll mark the movement in the right direction. A move that doesn’t appear in box scores, a summary of the night, or local highlights.
Although there is still a long way to go, the organization’s key steps on Friday provide hope for the community during dark and frightening times.
