U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were turned away at Dodger Stadium on Thursday after seeking access to the stadium’s parking areas, according to a statement from the team.
“This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Tonight’s game will be played as scheduled,” the team posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Tonight’s game will be played as scheduled.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 19, 2025
Footage from ABC7/KABC showed federal agents stationed on a street adjacent to the ballpark. The purpose of their attempted entry remains unclear, and both ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not provided public comment as of Thursday evening.
@abc7la U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were seen staging near Dodger Stadium in Elysian Park amid reports of more raids being conducted throughout Los Angeles County. #ICE #Dodgers #DodgerStadium https://abc7.la/44o66S7
ICE Presence Sparks Concern in L.A.
The sighting of ICE personnel near the stadium arrives at a time of heightened immigration enforcement, especially in Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California. The administration’s recent immigration actions have led to widespread protests across the region, igniting fear and uncertainty among local immigrant communities.
According to the Los Angeles Times, ICE agents at the stadium declined to comment on their reason for being there. The visit took place just hours before the Dodgers were set to host their National League West rivals, the San Diego Padres, along with a celebrity softball game for Black Heritage Night led by star player Mookie Betts.
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Anthem Performance in Spanish Makes a Statement
The incident follows an emotionally charged moment from last weekend, when singer Vanessa “Nezza” Hernández delivered a rendition of the U.S. National Anthem entirely in Spanish. Nezza originally planned to sing in both English and Spanish but changed her approach following recent ICE raids across the city.
She said a Dodgers employee advised against the full Spanish performance, but she went through with it anyway. The moment coincided with national “No Kings” demonstrations, which called for immigrant justice and the end of deportations.
@cnn Singer Nezza performed the US National Anthem in Spanish at a recent Dodgers game as a protest against recent immigration raids in Los Angeles. She says a team employee told her not to, but the singer performed the song in Spanish anyway. #cnn #news #sports #dodgers
Player Voices Support for Immigrant Communities
While the Dodgers organization has not made a direct statement on the recent wave of ICE activity, players are beginning to speak out. Veteran utility player Kiké Hernández, who hails from Puerto Rico, posted a passionate message on Instagram addressing the situation.
“I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city,” he wrote. “This is my second home. And I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart.”
Hernández emphasized the importance of dignity and human rights, adding, “ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.”
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The Dodgers are reportedly preparing to announce a plan aimed at supporting the immigrant community affected by recent federal enforcement efforts.
Social Reactions to ICE Appearance at Stadium
The news of ICE agents attempting to access Dodger Stadium quickly spread across social media, prompting a wave of reactions from people on social media.
“We’re going to keep fighting, keep showing up, and keep backing the people who have the guts to reject ICE and stand for democracy.” one user wrote on X.
Others compared ICE to the Gestapo. “ICE is the new Gestapo” another fan compared.
Meanwhile, some fans expressed concern for vulnerable attendees, especially families of undocumented immigrants who may have planned to attend the game.
As one of MLB’s most popular teams, the Dodgers draw over 50,000 fans per game, a record unmatched by any other team this season. Thursday’s high-profile matchup and special events added further visibility to the incident and its broader implications.
Yes indeed — another win. And we’re just getting started.
We’re going to keep fighting, keep showing up, and keep backing the people who have the guts to reject ICE and stand for democracy.
This is about protecting every person’s rights, defending due process, and building a…
— Charles Perreira (@CharlesPerreir7) June 19, 2025
— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) June 19, 2025
ICE was at the Dodger Stadium parking lot this morning. I have a feeling they are there to retaliate because the Dodgers are going to make an announcement today regarding the ICE raids pic.twitter.com/ewj8cRd0QU
— Mexican Rug Dealer (@DealinRugs) June 19, 2025
