Sources familiar with the situation said immigration and customs enforcement agencies attempted to access Dodger Stadium on Thursday morning but were denied entry by the team.
Images of government vehicles quickly spread across social media, spurring widespread speculation and criticism from fans, many of whom questioned the presence of agents at the stadium.
The stadium’s site is partnered with the team, but the parking lot is owned by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The appearance of Ice Agent comes as the Dodgers prepare to break the silence in an ongoing federal immigration raid in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers’ first decision to remain publicly silent drew sharp criticism and became a political flashpoint for the city. To date, Enrique “Queque” Hernandez is the only player to talk about the attack.
The Times first reported that the organization is planning to announce an initiative aimed at supporting migrant communities affected by the attacks that began in early June.
A coalition of Latino advocacy groups has urged the Dodgers and other local professional sports teams to speak out as President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown continues to echo across the Los Angeles community.
On Saturday, singer Netza violated the team’s reported demands to perform the national anthem in English instead of singing “Star Spangrud Banner” in Spanish before the home game. Her performance coincided with widespread protests across Metro Los Angeles against what critics call the “massive deportation program” promoted by Trump and federal officials.
The Dodgers later issued a statement about Neza’s performance, saying that they “had no difficult feelings,” and that the team was “pleasant to have her back.”
The organization has long enjoyed deep support from the Latino community in Southern California, dating back to “Fernando Mania” in 1981, when Mexican-born pitcher Fernando Valenzuela won the CY Young Award as a 20-year-old rookie.
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