The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed on Thursday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were denied access to the stadium’s parking lots. The MLB team posted on X (formerly Twitter) that ICE had “requested permission to access the parking lots,” prompting public concern. However, ICE swiftly refuted the statement, responding directly to the Dodgers with, “False. We were never there.” The confusion began when law enforcement vehicles were spotted near Dodger Stadium, triggering protests from demonstrators who believed ICE was conducting an operation. Later, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clarified that some of its vehicles were briefly present at the stadium, but insisted it had “nothing to do with the Dodgers” and was not part of any enforcement action.
Meanwhile, protests against ICE reportedly escalated into riots in Los Angeles and other cities. An investigation is now underway to determine who may be funding and organizing these events. Crowds on Demand, a California-based company known for staging protests, told Fox News it had received “high-budget requests” to support anti-ICE demonstrations but declined due to potential illegality. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) announced an investigation into possible financial backing of the unrest, naming the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) as a key focus. CHIRLA, which has received \$34 million in government grants, was accused of providing logistical and financial support to protest organizers. Although no evidence confirms that CHIRLA or related groups financed violent actions, the controversy has intensified scrutiny over funding and political influence behind anti-ICE activism.
