After facing mounting pressure to speak out, the Los Angeles Dodgers have announced a $1 million commitment to support immigrant families affected by recent federal immigration raids across Southern California.
The announcement, made Friday after a day-long delay prompted by the presence of federal agents at the team’s stadium, marks the Dodgers’ first public response to the growing backlash.
“In partnership with the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Dodgers have committed $1 million toward direct financial assistance for families of immigrants impacted by recent events in the region,” read the beginning of the organization’s statement.
The Dodgers—criticized by immigrant-advocacy groups and community leaders for staying silent—said the financial pledge is only the beginning. The team plans to share more initiatives in the coming days “with local community and labor organizations” to further aid youth and families affected by the raids.
“What’s happening in Los Angeles has reverberated among thousands upon thousands of people, and we have heard the calls for us to take a leading role on behalf of those affected,” said Stan Kasten, President & CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers. “We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.”
The Dodgers’ statement also emphasized the team and the city’s “proven ability to get financial resources to those in critical need,” encouraging other organizations to follow suit.
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20 June 2025, US, Los Angeles: Demonstrator gather outside the Dodger Stadium to protest the presence of ICE and Border Patrol agents at the stadium parking lot, ahead of the baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Dodgers stated that they have denied immigration agents’ access to the stadium. Photo: Zin Chiang/dpa (Photo by Zin Chiang/picture alliance via Getty Images) -
Police officers stand guard as they close the gate of the main entrance of Dodger Stadium faced with protesters calling for a boycott of the team, claiming the organization supports federal immigration efforts, in Los Angeles, on June 19, 2025. Federal immigration agents were barred from entering Dodger Stadium on June 19 after requesting access to the Major League Baseball team’s grounds, the team confirmed. (ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images) -
Federal agents attempted to access Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2025, but were denied entry by the team. (KTLA 5 News) -
Fans cheer loudly as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) hits a double against the San Diego Padres in the second inning at Dodger Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) -
Music artist Nezza reacts after singing the national anthem prior to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh) -
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani smiles as he addresses the crowd during the baseball team’s World Series championship parade and celebration at Dodger Stadium, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) -
Fans watch warmups at the Tokyo Dome before an MLB Tokyo Series baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
In the days leading up to the announcement, the team faced criticism from fans and immigrant groups for staying silent as ICE operations created fear across L.A. neighborhoods.
A coalition of Latino organizations urged the Dodgers and other professional sports teams to step up. Last weekend, Latin American pop singer Nezza defied the team’s reported request and performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” in Spanish before a home game—an act that coincided with protests against what activists are calling a “Mass Deportation Program” tied to former President Donald Trump’s immigration rhetoric.
The Dodgers later responded to Nezza’s performance, saying there were “no hard feelings” and that they “would be happy to have her back.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the team’s decision to take action:
“I want to thank the Dodgers for leading with this action to support the immigrant community of Los Angeles. These last weeks have sent shockwaves of fear rippling through every neighborhood and have had a direct impact on our economy. My message to all Angelenos is clear: We will stick together during this time and we will not turn our backs on one another — that’s what makes this the greatest city in the world.”
