¡Fuera! Dodgers tell ICE Adios

Fernando Valenzuela would be proud. At a time when many in Los Angeles and throughout the country protest President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement‘s campaign against immigrants, the Dodgers finally took a stand.

According to the Dodgers and several media members and activists, ICE officials attempted to use Dodger Stadium as a staging area on Thursday.

Activists quickly descended on Chavez Ravine, gathering at the Gate E entrance to one of baseball’s most iconic stadiums and arguably the one that draws the most Mexican and Mexican American fans in the majors.

”ICE out of L.A.! ICE out of L.A.!” the activists yelled while mixing in a few curse words. They also waved signs with messages not suitable for a family carne asada with children.

The Dodgers used their social media channels this afternoon to say they denied ICE entry to Dodger Stadium.

ICE ‘denied entry’

“This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots,” the Dodgers wrote on the social media site X, where the team has 3 million followers. “They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Tonight’s game will be played as scheduled.”

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. Tonight’s game will be played as scheduled.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 19, 2025

The Dodgers’ announcement had more than 5.2 million views in less than two hours.

Dodger Stadium, the home of the legendary Fernando Valenzuela, is arguably the most Mexican stadium in the majors. Thanks to Valenzuela and Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin, the Dodgers won over Los Angeles’ large Latino community almost immediately after Valenzuela’s magical rookie season in 1981.

The Dodgers became the most popular MLB team for Mexicans on both sides of the Mexican-United States border as Valenzuela began the 1981 season with an 8-0 record en route to the World Series title, the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award.

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Valenzuela ranks with Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax as Dodgers greats who transcended sports. They are significant cultural icons.

You cannot attend a Dodgers game without seeing hundreds of fans wearing replica No. 34 Valenzuela jerseys. That bond has been tested in recent weeks as Latino fans lamented the Dodgers’ silence while many of their fans were targeted by ICE agents.

Silence criticized

While there are many outspoken critics of ICE and Trump throughout the country, Los Angeles has arguably been Ground Zero of the fight between Trump’s ICE and immigration activists and the immigrant community.

Against the wishes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. mayor Karen Bass, Trump called up the California National Guard and sent 700 Marines to Los Angeles after mostly peaceful protests broke out in Los Angeles earlier this month.

Valenzuela, who died last October, was an immigrant from Sonora, Mexico. His daughter Maria spoke out against the recent ICE raids on Friday via her Instagram page.

“It’s inhumane. It’s heartbreaking. It’s personal,” the Dodgers legend’s daughter posted on Instagram. “Families like mine helped build this city. We deserve to be protected, not punished. We stand with every family under threat and we won’t stay silent.”

Protesters have gathered and started chanting “ICE out of LA!” at Gate E of Dodger Stadium. ICE agents are seen standing and were trying to gain access, but the Dodgers denied entry to ICE agents this morning, according @ByJackHarris of the LA Times.

🎥 :@jeremotographs pic.twitter.com/h4L3zWZig8

— Our Esquina (@OurEsquina) June 19, 2025

Popular Dodgers veteran Enrique “Kiké” Hernandez also spoke up this weekend for Los Angeles’ immigrant community.

“I may not be Born & Raised, but this city adopted me as one of their own,” the Puerto Rican Hernandez wrote on Instagram. “I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city. Los Angeles and Dodger fans have welcomed me, supported me and shown me nothing but kindness and love.

“This is my second home. And 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. #CityOfImmigrants.”

Hall of Famer speaks

Retired Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin, the longtime Spanish voice of the Dodgers, urged immigrants to “not fear” in a post on Wednesday.

“As an immigrant who came to this country 70 years ago, I know firsthand the hope, courage, and determination it takes to build a new life in a new land,” Jarrin posted on Instagram. “I’ve always believed that immigration isn’t just part of the American story; it is the American story.”

Although the Dodgers organization has not made a statement in support of immigrants, they were finally prompted to inform their fans that they denied ICE. It’s a small step, but it’s one Fernando Valenzuela would have welcomed.