Dodgers Pledge $1 Million to Support Immigrant Families Affected by ICE Raids

On Friday, over 50 community and religious leaders in Los Angeles urged the Dodgers to speak out against recent ICE raids that are alarming families and disrupting businesses. This pressure led the team to announce a commitment of $1 million to support families affected by these events.

Team President Stan Kasten stated, “We’ve heard the calls for us to take a leading role.” He emphasized that the Dodgers aim to uplift the Greater Los Angeles community through their actions.

The petition, driven by PICO California, called for the Dodgers to declare their support for families impacted by the raids. It emphasized that unity is key: “If these are our beloved Dodgers, we need you to stand with us.”

The urgency of the situation escalated after immigration agents attempted to enter Dodger Stadium for processing individuals arrested in nearby raids. The Dodgers denied entry, and their announcement was postponed until the following day.

According to the team, the $1 million funding will be issued in partnership with the City of Los Angeles. Recent local efforts show that the collaboration has been effective in aiding victims of natural disasters, such as the January wildfires.

Mayor Karen Bass voiced her gratitude for the Dodgers’ support and highlighted the community’s expectation for the team to uphold their values.

The petition also called for the Dodgers to pledge that no club property would be used for immigration enforcement. Many signatories included local church leaders and advocates from various community organizations. Joseph Tomás McKellar of PICO California pointed out the significance of the Dodgers taking a stand, saying, “This is a moment when the Dodgers can make a real impact on vulnerable families in our region.”

In today’s polarized climate, it’s meaningful for an institution like the Dodgers to take a stance on social issues. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 65% of Americans agree that businesses should advocate for social justice issues. This trend shows a growing expectation for public figures to engage in meaningful dialogue about societal challenges, especially those affecting their communities.

The eyes of Los Angeles are on the Dodgers now—not just as a baseball team, but as a voice for compassion and support during difficult times.



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