Immigration Agents Spotted at LA Dodgers Stadium? Authorities Explain: "Stopped Due to Vehicle Breakdown"

Club: "ICE Agents Denied Entry to Parking Lot"
Department of Homeland Security: "No Connection to Dodgers"

As both U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting undocumented immigrants and protests against these actions are taking place in Los Angeles (LA), controversy has arisen after ICE agents were spotted near the home stadium of the Major League Baseball (MLB) team, the LA Dodgers.

On June 19 (local time), the LA Dodgers announced on their social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested access to the parking lot," adding, "However, they were denied entry."

Dodger Stadium, home of the LA Dodgers. LA Dodgers social media (SNS)

As local media reports spread about the presence of federal agents at Dodger Stadium, fans expressed concern that the evening's game might be canceled. In addition, some protesters opposing the immigration crackdown gathered in front of the stadium and strongly protested against ICE.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, shared the Dodgers' post on its X account and clarified, "This has nothing to do with the Dodgers," explaining that "a vehicle belonging to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was in the stadium parking lot only very briefly and not in connection with any operation or law enforcement activity." A CBP official further stated, "The agents remained in the parking lot because their vehicle broke down."

Despite these explanations from the authorities, suspicions persist. Dodger Stadium is located on a remote hillside, some distance from downtown. The parking lot is structured such that one must drive a considerable way from the main road along an access route to reach it, making it highly unusual to enter the area for any reason other than attending a game. Since June 6, the Department of Homeland Security has deployed a large number of CBP agents throughout the LA area to suppress ongoing protests against immigration crackdowns.

CNN pointed out that the conflict between the Dodgers and immigration authorities that emerged on this day vividly illustrates the tense situation surrounding immigration enforcement in the region. Many Dodgers fans are Latino immigrants, and they are demanding that the club take stronger measures to protect its fans.

Meanwhile, on June 15, at Dodger Stadium, Latin pop singer Nezza sang the U.S. national anthem in Spanish rather than English before the game. A video of a Dodgers official attempting to stop this at the scene spread on social media, drawing criticism from Latino fans. In response, the Dodgers stated, "We did not penalize or ask Nezza to leave because of the performance," adding, "We are willing to invite Nezza back to the stadium."