Dodgers commit $1M to families impacted by immigration raids after pushback from community groups

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Friday that the organization will donate $1 million to families impacted by recent immigration raids.

"In partnership with the City of Los Angeles, the Dodgers have committed $1 million toward direct financial assistance for families of immigrants impacted by recent events in the region. Additional community efforts to be announced in the coming days," the team announced on X.

The announcement comes after growing pressure from community groups for the Dodgers to be more vocal about their support for immigrant communities.

"What's happening in Los Angeles has reverberated among thousands upon thousands of people, and we have heard the calls for us to take a leading role on behalf of those affected," said Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten. "We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the Dodgers in the team's news release.

"I want to thank the Dodgers for leading with this action to support the immigrant community of Los Angeles," Bass said. "These last weeks have sent shockwaves of fear rippling through every neighborhood and have had a direct impact on our economy. My message to all Angelenos is clear: We will stick together during this time and we will not turn our backs on one another -- that's what makes this the greatest city in the world."

On Thursday, the team said federal agents were denied entry to Dodger Stadium grounds after they requested access to the parking lots.

What happened at Dodger stadium?

On Thursday morning, dozens of federal agents in SUVs and cargo vans, most wearing tactical gear with their faces covered, gathered near the Gate E entrance before heading out to various locations in the area.

Local elected officials told ABC7 that Los Angeles City Council District 1 workers alerted the LAPD of the staging near the stadium. The Police Department then notified the Dodgers organization.

"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," according to a statement on the Dodgers' official account on the social media platform X. "Tonight's game will be played as scheduled."

The Department of Homeland Security responded to the Dodgers' post on X, saying, "This had nothing to do with the Dodgers."

"CBP vehicles were in the stadium parking lot very briefly, unrelated to any operation or enforcement."

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also responded to the Dodgers' post on X, saying, "False. We were never there."

The agents' presence attracted several dozen protesters, prompting Los Angeles Police Department officers to form a skirmish line that separated the activists from the area where the federal agents had gathered. The gathering remained peaceful.

Group calls on Dodgers chairman to denounce raids

More than 50 community faith, labor, and immigrant rights leaders delivered a letter to the Dodgers organization, calling on Chairman Mark Walter to publicly denounce the raids, support community organizations, and continue to ensure no team property is ever used for immigration enforcement.

The group also launched an online petition Friday for people to sign.

"Come on Dodgers, we need you," said Rabbi Susan Goldberg with NEFESH. "You're such an important part of this city."

"I know Dodgers you may think, 'Oh, we're just a sports team. It doesn't matter," she added. "It matters so much to this city. We need everybody all in to take care of Angelenos right now. We know the Dodgers will do the right thing, and we're just saying, 'Come on, it's game time. Let's go.'"

Before Thursday morning, the Dodgers organization had drawn criticism on social media for not commenting on the ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions in the L.A. area.

Dodgers infielder Kiké Hernandez wrote on Instagram Saturday: "I am saddened and infuriated by what's happening in our country and our city. 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."

ESPN and City News Service contributed to this report.