A line of unmarked white vans and SUVs at Dodger Stadium raised concerns about possible immigration enforcement on Thursday. However, team officials confirmed that federal agents were not allowed to enter the stadium grounds.
Photos shared on social media showed the vehicles parked near the downtown parking lot entrance of the stadium. This sight attracted dozens of protesters who gathered nearby, worried about the implications of such a presence. The agents, who were armed and wearing masks, stood by the SUVs but did not display any identifying badges. When approached by a reporter, they identified themselves as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) but refused to provide further details.
As the situation unfolded, some protesters recorded the agents on their phones, only to be told to step back or face arrest. Eventually, police arrived, and the agents left the area. The crowd dispersed by the afternoon.
According to a statement from the Dodgers, the agents had requested permission to access the parking lots but were denied entry. The team reassured fans that the evening’s game would proceed as scheduled.
In response to the incident, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency claimed on social media that they were never present at the stadium. However, the DHS clarified that Customs and Border Protection agents had briefly been in the parking lot, but not for any enforcement operation.
A source from the Los Angeles Police Department stated that they did not receive a request from the Dodgers to remove the agents. Instead, the federal agents had gathered for a briefing and left before images of their presence circulated online. The Dodgers did ask police for assistance after protesters arrived.
Among those protesting were members of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), who expressed concern about the raids occurring in the area. Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a CHIRLA member, emphasized that Dodger Stadium is a family-friendly space for Angelenos.
The parking lot in question is co-owned by the Dodgers and former team owner Frank McCourt. The Dodgers have faced pressure to support immigrant communities recently affected by immigration raids. On the day of the incident, team president Stan Kasten mentioned that they were working with community groups and would delay an announcement regarding their support for immigrants to finalize details.
In a related protest, singer Nezza performed a Spanish version of the national anthem at Dodger Stadium, despite being asked to sing in English by a team employee. This act was seen as a statement against the ongoing immigration raids.