After dealing with mounting pressure to talk out, the Los Angeles Dodgers have introduced a $1 million dedication to help immigrant households affected by latest federal immigration raids throughout Southern California.
The announcement, made Friday after a day-long delay prompted by the presence of federal brokers on the workforce’s stadium, marks the Dodgers’ first public response to the rising backlash.
“In partnership with the Metropolis of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Dodgers have dedicated $1 million towards direct monetary help for households of immigrants impacted by latest occasions within the area,” learn the start of the group’s assertion.
The Dodgers — criticized by immigrant-advocacy teams and group leaders for staying silent — mentioned the monetary pledge is just the start. The workforce plans to share extra initiatives within the coming days “with area people and labor organizations” to additional assist youth and households affected by the raids.
“What’s taking place in Los Angeles has reverberated amongst 1000’s upon 1000’s of individuals, and we now have heard the requires us to take a number one function on behalf of these affected,” mentioned Stan Kasten, president & CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers. “We imagine that by committing assets and taking motion, we’ll proceed to help and uplift the communities of Larger Los Angeles.”
The Dodgers’ assertion additionally emphasised the workforce and the town’s “confirmed skill to get monetary assets to these in crucial want,” encouraging different organizations to observe swimsuit.
Within the days main as much as the announcement, the workforce confronted criticism from followers and immigrant teams for staying silent as ICE operations created worry throughout L.A. neighborhoods.
A coalition of Latino organizations urged the Dodgers and different skilled sports activities groups to step up. Final weekend, Latin American pop singer Nezza defied the workforce’s reported request and performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” in Spanish earlier than a house recreation — an act that coincided with protests in opposition to what activists are calling a “mass deportation program” tied to former President Trump’s immigration rhetoric.
The Dodgers later responded to Nezza’s efficiency, saying there have been “no arduous emotions” and that they “can be blissful to have her again.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the workforce’s resolution to take motion:
“I need to thank the Dodgers for main with this motion to help the immigrant group of Los Angeles. These final weeks have despatched shockwaves of worry rippling by way of each neighborhood and have had a direct impression on our economic system. My message to all Angelenos is evident: We’ll stick collectively throughout this time and we is not going to flip our backs on each other — that is what makes this the best metropolis on the earth.”