Federal agents blocked from entering Dodger Stadium amid ICE raid speculation

Federal immigration agents in unmarked vehicles attempted to enter Dodger Stadium's parking lots on Thursday morning, sparking online speculation about potential immigration enforcement at the ballpark. According to Dodgers officials, the agents were denied entry.

Key Details:

• Vehicle Procession: Photos shared on social media showed a line of unmarked white vans and SUVs attempting to enter through the Sunset Gate around 8 a.m. They were turned away at a security checkpoint and later regrouped near the Downtown Gate.
• Conflicting Statements:
  • The Dodgers stated the agents were "denied entry to the grounds."
  • ICE claimed on X: "False. We were never there."
  • DHS said Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents were present briefly but not for an operation.
• Protesters Gather: Dozens of protesters, including members of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), demonstrated outside the stadium. Signs read "ICE out of L.A." and criticized immigration policies.
• Possible Link to Home Depot Raids: A resident identified vehicles with matching license plates at both Dodger Stadium and an earlier ICE raid at a Hollywood Home Depot. A CBP officer reportedly told a protester they were processing detainees at the stadium to avoid public interference.

Broader Context:

The Dodgers have faced pressure to support immigrant communities following recent ICE raids. The team postponed an announcement about immigrant aid programs due to the day's events. Earlier this month, singer Nezza protested by singing the national anthem in Spanish at a game, despite being asked to perform in English.

Quotes:

• "Dodger Stadium is a place where Angeleno families come and have fun," said CHIRLA member Jorge-Mario Cabrera. "The fact that these raids continue is what we Angelenos should be very concerned about."
• One protester holding an upside-down American flag called the current administration's policies "chaos" and unfair to immigrant communities.

Additional Coverage:

For more on the Dodgers' response to immigration raids, see this report.

Times staff writers Jack Flemming, Libor Jany, Andrew Campa, Bill Shaikin, and Christopher Buchanan contributed to this report.