The storm met silence in Los Angeles. People had been quietly worried for weeks, but when federal agents came through communities, they left a trail of fear. Yet, in the midst of this daunting silence, an unexpected voice emerged from the Dodgers’ locker room. A player who shared his thoughts and connection amidst the silence that surrounded so many.

This wasn’t just a regular interview after the game or a shout-out to celebrate. Kike Hernandez, the Dodgers’ versatile utility man, used Instagram not to brag about a grand slam, but to show his support for the city that had welcomed him. While the Dodgers organization, which holds significant authority in Los Angeles, stayed quiet about the growing number of federal immigration raids, Hernandez decided to break the professional facade. His online declaration was a strong show of support and a direct counter to the terror spreading through the City of Angels.

On Saturday, days after the turmoil started, he shared his thoughts on his Instagram handle. “I may not be Born & Raised, but this city adopted me as one of their own. I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city, ” Hernandez wrote in the post. He added that he “cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused, and ripped apart. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and human rights. #CityOfImmigrants.” 

What caused all this chaos? An immigration policy by the Trump administration. Starting on June 6, 2025, ICE agents entered several Los Angeles neighborhoods. Members of immigrant communities report that raids happened at grocery stores, churches, and gyms. Since then, there have been protests in LA. The situation has escalated, so a state of emergency was declared, and curfews are being imposed. At a time when everyone wants to keep a low profile, Hernandez sharing his thoughts is a big thing.

Even the Dodgers organisation hasn’t issued any official statement. On top of that, executive vice president and chief marketing officer Lon Rosen refused to make a statement. Rosen told the Los Angeles Times, “We’re not going to comment on anything.”

Hernandez is not a politician. He isn’t campaigning for office or trying to get something done. He is an athlete with one of the most diverse fan groups in the US, and he has stood up. The front office, the dugout speech, or the marketing department aren’t the ones who are saying it. It isn’t the front office, a dugout speech, or the marketing department saying it.

Most importantly, at least he knows what’s going on, unlike the Dodgers manager.

‘Unsettling for everyone’: Roberts comments on immigration-driven unrest in LA

Dave Roberts, the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, also addressed the unrest in Los Angeles. At a press conference before the game on June 13 at Dodger Stadium, he said, “I know that when you’re having to bring people in and deport people and just kind of all the unrest, it’s certainly unsettling for everyone.” He was talking about the latest ICE-led immigration raids that have caused further tension.

Roberts spoke before the Dodgers’ first home game since the raids began on June 6. The team had just wrapped up a six-game road trip that coincided with citywide protests. His comments came as curfews were enforced, emergencies declared, and thousands of National Guard troops and Marines were deployed to prevent the situation from worsening.

Roberts said he was concerned but clarified that he didn’t know much about the policy details: “I don’t know enough, to be quite honest with you… I haven’t done enough and can’t speak intelligently on it.” His answer contrasted with the Dodgers’ general silence, highlighting how complicated the matter was and how cautious he was.

Recent events have underscored Los Angeles’s strong ties to its Latino and immigrant communities, which are integral to the Dodgers’ identity. The team has a rich history of players from diverse backgrounds, starting with the “Fernandomania” of the 1980s. Manager Roberts’ recognition of civic unrest. While it’s not a political statement, it reflects this history and shows how policies can influence the city’s streets and the team’s locker rooms.