Tensions Rise as Dodgers Deny Entry to Immigration Agents at Stadium
Los Angeles, CA — A high-profile incident involving federal immigration agents at Dodger Stadium has stirred anxiety in Los Angeles and prompted urgent questions about the role of law enforcement near private entertainment venues.
On Thursday morning, the Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were denied access to the stadium’s parking areas. “ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry,” the team stated on X (formerly Twitter).
However, shortly after, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson claimed ICE was not involved. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin explained: “This had nothing to do with the Dodgers. CBP vehicles were briefly in the area, unrelated to any operation or enforcement.”
The incident comes amid a wave of immigration raids across Southern California, including reports of federal agents targeting workplaces, swap meets, and parking structures. These actions have left immigrant communities on edge, especially as Dodger Stadium—a site symbolically tied to LA’s Latino population—has been rumored as a possible federal staging ground.
Images circulating on social media showed numerous DHS-branded vans and masked officers near the stadium. Aerial footage posted by Fox LA’s Kevin Takumi depicted vehicles surrounding entrances as the crowd began to gather. “ICE agents are taking up positions,” Takumi reported on X.
According to The Athletic and Los Angeles Times, the agents gathered briefly for a private meeting but exited the area once photos went viral. Several sources confirmed that the Dodgers refused to allow any federal agents onto their property.
Protests erupted at the stadium gates hours before the Dodgers' evening game against the San Diego Padres. Demonstrators held signs like “I Like My ICE Crushed” and chanted “ICE out of LA!” as LAPD officers formed lines between protesters and DHS agents. Local reports suggested at least four federal officers remained on-site throughout the afternoon.
City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez confirmed she had coordinated with both Mayor Karen Bass’s office and Dodgers executives. “Private property owners can refuse federal presence,” she told KABC-TV. “We’re working to get them off Dodgers territory.”
The Dodgers have faced criticism for not publicly defending LA’s immigrant communities during the recent uptick in enforcement actions. On Saturday, singer Vanessa Hernández, performing under the stage name Nezza, sang the national anthem in Spanish at a Dodgers game to protest immigration raids—reportedly against the team’s request to perform in English.
Thursday’s match went ahead as planned, along with a celebrity softball event celebrating Black Heritage Night. Still, community leaders are demanding more than symbolic gestures from the team.
The Dodgers have announced they will soon reveal plans to assist immigrant families affected by the recent raids—a move many see as overdue.