Immigration activists are calling on the Los Angeles Dodgers to reject an invitation to the White House celebrating their World Series victory, saying the team’s visit would “normalize” President Donald Trump and betray the city’s immigrant communities.
The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) made the appeal in an Instagram post on Wednesday, urging the Dodgers to “take a stand” against the Trump administration.
“DODGERS do not visit the White House. Do not normalize Donald Trump,” the group wrote. “We are witnessing human rights abuses each and every day, traumatizing our communities. Take a stand with the rest of Los Angeles and California and say, NO to Donald Trump!”
The post continued, emphasizing the city’s immigrant culture: “Los Angeles is a city built by immigrants, working families, and dreamers. We celebrate our champions, but we also stand for justice, dignity, and love for our community. Dodgers, stay with us. Stand with the city that has always stood with you.”
Activists Launch Petition
Alongside the social media appeal, NDLON released an open letter asking Dodgers fans to sign a petition urging the team to decline the invitation.
“By visiting a president who has used his power to harm the most vulnerable, the team would be turning its back on the very people who fill the stadiums, wear the jerseys, and give this team its heart,” the letter said.
The organization added that encouraging the Dodgers to boycott the visit would “show the White House that Los Angeles stands for compassion, dignity, and solidarity with their immigrant neighbors.”
A History of Tension
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers have previously faced pressure to respond to federal immigration policies. The team was placed in what the paper described as a “precarious position” when the Trump administration conducted immigration raids across Los Angeles earlier this year, including near Dodger Stadium.
During that time, the Dodgers distanced themselves from the operation and pledged $1 million in direct financial assistance to families of immigrants affected by the raids.
Team President and CEO Stan Kasten said the organization had “heard the calls for us to take a leading role on behalf of those affected.”
Uncertain Next Steps
It is not yet clear whether the Dodgers plan to accept or decline the White House invitation. Past championship teams across multiple sports have made differing decisions under President Trump, with some choosing to attend the ceremony and others opting out in protest.
For now, activists are hoping the Dodgers will join the latter group — taking what they view as a symbolic stand for the illegal immigrant communities that make up much of Los Angeles’ fan base.
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Unborn babies are the most vulnerable, not illegal immigrants.
I dislike Mr. Trump and all he stands for, but to boycott a Dodger visit to the White House, because of his politics, is just pure bullshite. It is a time honored tradition that the victors in the major sports championships, visit the White House. Leave the freakin’ politics out of the visit.