Latino community groups call for support from Dodgers, other LA sports teams amid ICE raids

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A group of community leaders are calling on the Dodgers and other prominent Los Angeles sports teams to back their efforts to support communities impacted by recent ICE raids across the region.

Leaders from Little Latin America USA, California Rising, El Salvador Corridor Association, CD1 Coalition and the L.A. Youth & Family Foundation held a morning press conference to discuss the critical resources available for families affected by recent immigration raids.

"This is a vital opportunity for the Dodgers to join us in championing these much needed cultural events and mutual aid efforts that uplift the most vulnerable, many of whom are BIG TIME Dodger fans," the group said in a press release.

The groups were also expected to unveil a calendar of cultural events for the summer designed to uplift the region's Latino community.

"The largest economic engine in this area is silent! Wake up! Do better! We know you can!" Raul Claros of California Rising said at the news conference, pointing to Dodger Stadium behind him. "The same organization of Jackie Robinson, the same organization of Fernandomania.

"The same organization that took away this land," Claros said in an apparent reference to the eviction of Chavez Ravine residents, most of whom were Hispanic, before Dodger Stadium was built in the 1950s. "And that's why we're here."

This comes after singer Nezza performed the national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium over the weekend. The Colombian-Dominican performer made the decision to do so even though the team asked her not to.

Nezza spoke to Eyewitness News after a video of her singing the national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium went viral and sparked calls for the team to speak out about ICE raids.

She spoke to Eyewitness News after a video of her performance went viral.

Her performance came as many look to the public figures and sports teams they support to say something about the tactics and impact of increased immigration arrests in Southern California, including the Dodgers.

The online conversation comes after singer Nezza says she was told not to perform the national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium over the weekend.

"I think that they should like at least acknowledge some of what's happening, because it affects everybody, not just the Hispanic community, but all of their fans," said L.A. resident Daisy Perez.

"Everyone came together. It's really putting into perspective who's not speaking up, who's not saying anything. It's not who's saying something. At this point, it's who's not and why aren't you saying anything?" said Cali 93.9 radio personality Melissa Rios.

In a post on Instagram, Dodgers player Kike Hernandez said, in part, "I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused, and ripped apart. All people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and human rights."

The Los Angeles Football Club and Angel City Football Club, joined by artist Becky G, are among those who have issued statements of support.

In a post on social media, Becky G told the Dodgers, "Don't you dare turn your backs on us now. We as a city have embraced you and need your support more than ever. Think about who fills up your stadium."

Many fans have condemned the Dodgers organization and called on the team to release a statement regarding the immigration arrests and raids unfolding in Southern California.

Eyewitness News reached out to ask if they had a statement and followed up, but has not received a statement on the subject yet.