(AFP) – The Los Angeles Dodgers, criticized for failing to comment on the US government’s immigration crackdown, on Friday committed $1 million toward assistance for families of immigrants “impacted by recent events in the region.” The reigning World Series champions have faced criticism for their response to an escalation in federal immigration sweeps that have targeted migrant workers in garment factories, car washes, and other workplaces.
Los Angeles has become ground zero of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement across the United States, and the Dodgers have a heavily Latino fan base, with some claiming a sense of betrayal over the franchise’s failure to speak out against the ongoing raids. “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,” Dodgers president Stan Kasten said in a statement. “We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.”
The Dodgers said the funds would be used for “direct financial assistance” for the families. They added that in the coming days, the team planned additional announcements with local community and labor organizations that are directly supporting youth and families with food insecurity, basic essentials, and mental health services.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the Dodgers’ involvement. “I want to thank the Dodgers for leading with this action to support the immigrant community of Los Angeles,” Bass said in a statement. “These last weeks have sent shockwaves of fear rippling through every neighborhood and have had a direct impact on our economy,” she said. “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.”
Bass and other California officials have heavily criticized Trump over his use of the National Guard and a contingent of Marines, sent to purportedly protect federal property and personnel in Los Angeles after demonstrations over the immigration sweeps. An appeals court has ruled that Trump could continue to control the California National Guard, which would normally fall under Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority.
The announcement comes a day after the Dodgers said they barred federal immigration agents from the team’s stadium parking lot as raids continued across America’s second-biggest city. The Department of Homeland Security later clarified that the agents at the venue were from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), not Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
© 2024 AFP
