Dodgers deny ICE agents entry to stadium amid protests and immigration crackdown in Los Angeles
The
Los Angeles Dodgers
found themselves at the center of a citywide immigration controversy on Thursday, after the team denied entry to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who arrived at Dodger Stadium as demonstrators protested ongoing raids throughout the city.
According to statements from the Dodgers, a convoy of ICE agents and Department of Homeland Security vehicles arrived at several parking lot entrances near the stadium early Thursday morning, seeking permission to access the grounds. The organization made it clear: 'ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization,' the team announced on social media.
On this, the ICE responded to the Dodgers on social media saying "False. We were never there."
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You
Villas in Dubai | Search ads
Learn More
Undo
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin clarified that the agents were not attempting to enter the stadium, adding, 'This had nothing to do with the Dodgers.
Customs and Border Protection vehicles
were in the stadium parking lot very briefly, unrelated to any operation or enforcement'.
Nevertheless, the presence of federal agents- faces covered, arriving in SUVs and cargo vans- sparked immediate concern and confusion among fans, staff, and city officials.
Live Events
Shortly after the agents' arrival, demonstrators gathered at the stadium's Gate E entrance, wielding signs reading 'ICE out of LA!' and 'I Like My Ice Crushed,' while chanting for the agents to leave. Television footage captured Los Angeles Police Department officers forming a barrier between the agents and the protesters, as the standoff drew city council members and local media to the scene.
Council member Eunisses Hernandez, who was in communication with Dodgers officials and the mayor's office, emphasized the distinction between public and private property: 'Businesses and corporations have the power to say, 'Not on my property.' And so we're waiting to see that movement happen here'.
The Dodgers, whose fanbase is predominantly Latino, have faced mounting pressure to take a public stance on the
immigration crackdown
. The organization was reportedly preparing to announce plans to assist immigrant communities affected by the recent events. Veteran player Kiké Hernández voiced his dismay on
Instagram
, expressing solidarity with Latinos who have been profiled, detained, or separated from their families by ICE.
Despite the day's tensions, the Dodgers confirmed that their scheduled game against the San Diego Padres would proceed as planned, with more than 50,000 fans expected in attendance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Unfamiliar calm along Central Asia's long-disputed borders
AI- Generated Image VORUKH: Bus driver Amrullo Yusupov has long faced challenges navigating the winding mountain passes of Central Asia - but a recent historic border agreement has brought calm to the troubled region. Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed in March the last of a series of deals to formalise the long-disputed borders between the countries in the Fergana Valley, a region that has ignited several violent clashes. "Everything is calm, now that the borders have been demarcated," Yusupov told AFP. Navigating the maze of Tajik exclaves -- pockets of territory embedded within Kyrgyzstan -- had been a challenge. "I used to be afraid to drive here at night. The road was a bit problematic," Yusupov said. The Fergana Valley, which spans the three countries, has seen hundreds of deadly skirmishes, in disputes over access to roads and water, a precious resource in the arid agricultural region. L by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo ocal disputes would quickly escalate as troops got involved to protect their citizens and the land on their side of the invisible border. In brief wars in 2021 and 2022, hundreds of Tajiks and Kyrgyz were killed and wounded, according to official estimates from both sides. The complicated geography is a legacy of the Soviet Union, with internal borders drawn up based on economic considerations, rather than ethnic, cultural or linguistic dividing lines. With its collapse, the lines became international frontiers, isolating tens of thousands of people in the exclaves. Barbed wire fences Even locals can sometimes be disoriented. "On the left is Kyrgyzstan and on the right is Tajikistan, yes?" some passengers asked as Yusupov's bus pulled away from Vorukh, a Tajik exclave the size of Paris. Linking Vorukh to the rest of Tajikistan, his bus travels along a neutral road that passes through Kyrgyz territory but does not stop there. "Over the past 30 years, we have had several conflicts with the Tajiks," said Raykhan Isakova, who lives in the neighbouring Kyrgyz village of Kapchygay. "It was very violent, we suffered heavy losses. All the houses were destroyed," the 60 year-old said of the fighting in 2022. "But thanks to the authorities, we started again from scratch, houses were built," she added. When AFP visited the village in 2022, it stood in ruins. Three years later, it is unrecognisable, completely rebuilt -- unlike some other places. Although peace has returned, AFP journalists who were given rare access to both sides of the border, saw a heavy military presence. Fences stood where crossing the street used to mean entering a different country. Locals say erecting a physical border will help bring security. "Once the barbed wire is up, the borders will be defined and everyone will be at home. People will know that Tajikistan starts here and Kyrgyzstan there," said Shamshidin Kattabekov, 42, from the Kyrgyz border village of Aksai. Meanwhile, official checkpoints have reopened for the first time in four years. "I am happy that the border has reopened so that I can come and see my family," said Aitgul Khojamberdieva, a 58-year-old Tajik citizen. "My mother and uncle died when the border was closed and we couldn't go" to the funeral, she told AFP. 'Eternal friendship' The reconciliation between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan was achieved without mediation from Russia, a rare feat in the post-Soviet space that Moscow still considers its own backyard. The three presidents sealed the border deals with a pact of "eternal friendship" earlier this year. Huge portraits of the smiling leaders are on display in Tajikistan and a giant friendship monument has also been erected where the three countries meet. "Once the border work is finished, we believe that peace will reign," said Ashyrali Erkebayev, head of a community of Kyrgyz border municipalities. So far, the agreements have led to territory swaps, sections of road declared neutral and guarantees to ensure unhindered access to energy infrastructure. But locals are still concerned about how an agreement to share water more equitably will work -- a crucial challenge given how exposed the region is to climate change. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have agreed a deal for access to the Tortkul reservoir, the only source of fresh water in the area, located in Kyrgyzstan. "Water for crops is a problem," said Isakova, a farmer. "There was a pipe before which went to Tajikistan," she added. "Everybody just made a hole and took water from there."
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: Cheteshwar Pujara makes suprise visit to nets
Cheteshwar Pujara India's Test cricket team enters a new era as 25-year-old Shubman Gill takes charge as captain for the first time in the five-match series against England starting Friday at Headingley. This transition comes after the retirement of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, marking a significant generational shift in Indian cricket's longest format. The series represents a definitive change in Indian Test cricket leadership, following the earlier departures of experienced players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane from the squad. The retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli solidifies this transition phase. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! While no longer on the field, former players continue to maintain their connection with Indian cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his contributions in Test cricket over the past decade, has taken up media responsibilities and is now part of the broadcast team for the India-England Test series. Pujara was recently seen at India's training session in Headingley, where he engaged with team members. A notable interaction occurred between Pujara, bowling coach Morne Morkel , and spinner Kuldeep Yadav at the ground. During this interaction, Morkel shared a lighthearted comment about Kuldeep Yadav, saying "He's keeping me on my toes, let's be honest!" The current Indian squad for the England series includes Kuldeep Yadav as the primary spinner, with Ravindra Jadeja serving as the spin-bowling all-rounder in the 19-member team. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Shubman's Big Test Begins! India's Probable XI & Stokes' Mind Games | ENG vs IND 1st Test Preview The team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, faces decisions regarding the team composition for the opening Test. They need to balance batting depth with bowling options. Weather conditions at Headingley are expected to play a role in the match. While the first day forecasts sunny conditions, rain might affect play during the remaining four days. The series opener begins at 3:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled thirty minutes earlier. This match marks the beginning of India's new Test cricket chapter under Gill's leadership. Quiz: Who's that IPL player? The team structure reflects the changing face of Indian cricket, with younger players stepping into roles previously held by established veterans. This series will test the new leadership's ability to maintain India's competitive edge in Test cricket. This transition period brings both challenges and opportunities for the Indian Test team. The blend of emerging talent and experienced support staff will be crucial in shaping the team's future performance. The presence of former players like Pujara in media roles helps maintain continuity and provides valuable insights into the team's evolution. Their involvement bridges the gap between different generations of Indian cricket. WV Raman backs Shubman Gill to fire in England: 'He needs the right support' Weather considerations and team selection decisions add another layer of complexity to the series opener. These factors will influence the strategy and approach adopted by the new leadership. The first Test at Headingley serves as more than just another match - it represents the beginning of a new chapter in Indian Test cricket history. The performance and decisions made during this series will set the tone for the team's future direction. This series opener carries additional significance as it marks the first time in recent years that India enters a Test series without its long-standing batting stalwarts. The team's response to this change will be closely watched by cricket followers worldwide. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Israel-Iran conflict: If Donald Trump backs out of launching strike, will Israel use nukes to destroy Iran's Fordow facility?
To achieve its stated objective of dismantling Iran's nuclear programme, Israel must neutralise the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, a critical and highly fortified Iranian nuclear facility. But Israel's own arsenal lacks the conventional ordnance capable of destroying Fordow. Despite recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Fordow, the facility remains operational and undamaged due to its underground location and robust defenses, including surface-to-air missile systems deployed by Iran and Russia. Israel-Iran conflict Instead, the destruction of the facility will require multiple strikes using the US GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb delivered by US B-2 stealth bombers. A report by The Guardian claimed that the US military has reservations regarding the success of using a bunker-buster bomb. Two defense officials were reportedly briefed that only a tactical nuclear weapon could reach the facility. What if US backs out? President Donald Trump has been briefed extensively on the risks and benefits of attacking Fordow, recognising that disabling this facility is essential to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons in a short timeframe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo However, he has not made a final decision on whether to join Israel's ongoing air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, opting instead to wait up to two weeks to see if diplomatic negotiations with Tehran might succeed in halting Iran's nuclear program. But if in two weeks, Trump decides to back out from launching a strike, Israel may have only one way of destroying the facility -- going nuclear. Will Israel go it alone? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not wait for US approval or a "green light" to continue its campaign against Iran's nuclear facilities. In a rare Hebrew-language interview, Netanyahu declared that Israel is fully committed to hitting all Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, and asserted that Israel has the capability to do so independently. If President Trump ultimately decides not to join Israel in military strikes against Iran within the next two weeks, it is plausible that Tel Aviv might escalate its tactics Are nukes on the table? The possibility that Israel might resort to using a low-yield nuclear weapon to destroy the Fordow facility has been a topic of speculation, given the difficulty of striking such a deeply buried site with conventional weapons. While Netanyahu has not explicitly confirmed the use of nuclear weapons, his statements about Israel's capability to destroy all nuclear sites suggest a readiness to deploy advanced and potentially extreme measures if necessary. Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and a senior fellow in the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has said that while Israel might not have the conventional ordnance to destroy Fordow, it is believed to have the nuclear capability to do so. "Numerous Israeli leaders, including PM Yitzhak Rabin in 1987, have stated that Israel will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons to the region, which Netanyahu has repeated. But if Israel did have low-yield nuclear weapons, these could deliver the necessary firepower to destroy Fordow. For example, the US GBU-57 has a yield of approximately the equivalent of 2 tons of TNT; whereas the lowest yield nuclear weapon was the US Davy Crockett, which had a yield of approximately 10 tons. " Williams further said that mere strong hint by Israel that it is considering using a nuke to take out the Fordow facility might be enough to coerce Iran to back down and return to negotiations. What is the Fordow facility? Fordow is located near Qom, about 30 kilometers northeast of the city, and is built deep inside a mountain, estimated to be 80 to 90 meters underground. This depth and the facility's hardened construction make it resistant to conventional aerial attacks and most bunker-buster bombs currently available to Israel. The Fordow facility spans approximately 54,000 square feet and houses around 3,000 centrifuges. It is unique in Iran's nuclear infrastructure as the only site where uranium particles enriched to near weapons-grade levels have been detected by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran has enriched uranium there up to 60 percent, with reports of uranium enriched as high as 83.7 percent, which is close to weapons-grade purity.
