By Stephen Witt
It took a few extra innings, but the Los Angeles Dodgers today went to bat for the City and County’s large immigrant community – and a massive part of their fan base.
That after the ballclub broke their silence Friday afternoon in the face of rising pressure from both elected officials and the public, in announcing a $1 million pledge to support immigrant families impacted by the recent federal immigration raids across Los Angeles County.
“What’s happening in Los Angeles has reverberated among thousands upon thousands of people,” Stan Kasten, the team’s President and CEO, told media outlets. “We have heard the calls for us to take a leading role on behalf of those affected. By committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.”
The $1 million pledge is part of a joint initiative with the City of Los Angeles with the funds going toward direct financial assistance for families grappling with the fallout.
The initiative calls for the Dodgers and city officials to work with the California Community Foundation, the L.A. County Federation of Labor, and other grassroots organizations already embedded in the impacted neighborhoods.
And this is just the pre-game warmup. In the coming days, the initiative will be expanded to include addressing food insecurity, providing mental health services, and delivering essential items to families caught in the federal immigration system.
“I want to thank the Dodgers for leading with this action,” L.A. Mayor Karen Bass told reporters. “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.”
The announcement came after a tense confrontation between protestors and federal ICE agents erupted outside Dodger Stadium early Thursday.
According to a tweet from the club, agents attempted to gain access to the stadium’s parking lots but were denied entry by team security. No arrests were made, but the clash escalated already heated tensions.
It also prompted U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D), whose district includes Dodger Stadium, this morning to call on the Dodgers to publicly stand with the immigrant community as ICE raids continue across the city:
“In a city where nearly 36 percent of the residents are immigrants and nearly 40 percent of the team’s fan base is Latino, saying nothing is not just disappointing — it’s a betrayal and an insult,” said Gomez.
“I’m calling on the Dodgers and all LA sports teams to unequivocally state their support for our immigrant community and the people of Los Angeles. Silence is not an option, it’s a choice,” the lawmaker added.
