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Los Angeles Dodgers Take Leading Role, Commit $1 million to Support Immigrant Families Amid ICE Raids
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In response to mounting pressure from community and religious leaders,the Los Angeles Dodgers announced a commitment of $1 million on Friday to support immigrant families impacted by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the Los Angeles area. The move signifies a leading role for the team in addressing community concerns during a period of heightened tension [1].
dodgers Respond to Community Pressure with Financial Commitment
The declaration came after more than 50 community and religious leaders signed a petition urging the Dodgers to publicly oppose the ICE raids, which they described as creating “immense terror” within communities, harming local businesses, and separating families.The petition, addressed to Dodgers owner Mark Walter, emphasized the team’s ancient importance and called for solidarity with immigrants and non-immigrants alike.
Stan Kasten, the team president, stated, “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. We beleive that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.”
Did You Know? The Dodgers’ commitment follows a delay after ICE agents appeared near Dodger Stadium, reportedly seeking to use parking lots as processing sites. The team denied them access.
Details of the Dodgers’ Initiative
The $1 million in financial assistance will be distributed in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, leveraging their experience in providing aid to those in critical need, as demonstrated by their previous efforts supporting victims of the January wildfires. The Dodgers also plan to announce further initiatives with local community and labor organizations in the coming days.
Mayor Karen Bass expressed her gratitude, stating, “I want to thank the Dodgers for leading with this action to support the immigrant community of Los Angeles.”
The petition had outlined specific requests,including a public statement condemning the ICE raids,support for community organizations assisting immigrants,and a guarantee that Dodgers’ property would not be used to aid immigration enforcement. The team’s actions address these concerns,marking a significant step in their community engagement.
Key Requests from the Petition
- Issue a public statement affirming that families are sacred, and that the ICE raids must stop.
- Stand with and support community organizations that are welcoming, protecting, and integrating immigrants into the fabric of our great region.
- Continue to ensure that no Dodgers’ property or assets will be used to aid or abet immigration enforcement operations.
Pro Tip: Supporting local organizations that provide legal and social services to immigrant communities is a great way to contribute to long-term stability and well-being.
Community Leaders Applaud the Dodgers’ stance
Joseph Tomรกs McKellar, executive director of PICO California, praised the Dodgers for taking a moral stand, highlighting the team’s legacy of inclusivity, referencing figures like Jackie Robinson and Fernando Valenzuela. He emphasized the importance of the Dodgers, a cultural institution for 67 years, making an impact on vulnerable families in the region.
The petition received signatures from numerous church leaders, including bishops from the Methodist California-Pacific Conference and Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, as well as representatives from over 20 community advocacy groups and labor leaders.