The Los Angeles Dodgers have committed $1 million to provide financial assistance to families of immigrants affected by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the region. This announcement, made on June 20, 2023, aimed to address the immediate needs of those impacted by the heightened enforcement activities.
Almost eight weeks later, the California Community Foundation (CCF) detailed how the funds will be utilized. The $1 million will support 1,000 households, with each family receiving $1,000 by the end of August 2025. CCF, a philanthropic organization in Los Angeles, confirmed that the cash will be distributed through local community partners and the City of Los Angeles.
“The Dodgers’ generous gift of $1 million to the CCF LA Neighbors Fund will provide relief to 1,000 Los Angeles households struggling to meet their basic needs due to the immigration raids,” CCF stated in a communication with USA TODAY Sports. Each recipient will receive direct cash relief via cash cards, ensuring timely support for those in need.
Since June 6, 2023, ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have reportedly made over 4,200 arrests in the Los Angeles area, according to Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. She emphasized,
“We will continue to enforce the law and remove the worst of the worst,”
highlighting the federal agency’s commitment to ongoing enforcement efforts.
The Dodgers faced criticism for their delayed response to the immigration crackdown, which sparked protests across the city. For two weeks, activists called for the team to take a stand. Just a day before announcing their financial commitment, the Dodgers publicly denied ICE agents access to their parking lots at Dodger Stadium, but did not initially comment on the situation.
Stan Kasten, president of the Dodgers, addressed the growing concerns, stating,
“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 believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the Dodgers for their initiative, thanking them in a June 21 news release for leading efforts to support the immigrant community. Nevertheless, protests continued at Dodger Stadium, with demonstrators expressing dissatisfaction with the amount pledged, holding signs that read, “Dodgers want you to shut up for $1 million.” Some activists suggested that the Dodgers should contribute more.
In total, more than 200 donors, including the Dodgers, have helped raise $2.6 million for the CCF LA Neighbors Fund. This fund aims to enhance the City of Los Angeles’ assistance program and support nonprofit organizations providing direct aid to individuals affected by the ongoing raids.
The Dodgers’ financial commitment represents a significant step toward alleviating the hardships faced by immigrant families in Los Angeles, demonstrating the team’s willingness to engage with pressing community issues while navigating the complexities of public sentiment and advocacy.
