Los Angeles Dodgers player Enrique Hernandez took to social media over the weekend to speak out against the city’s immigration crackdown. He said the community is “being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart” by ongoing ICE raids.
The two-time World Series champion shared his message on Instagram, calling Los Angeles his “second home.” He made no mention of the violent attacks against law enforcement that erupted during the protests.
"I may not be Born & Raised, but this city adopted me as one of their own," Hernandez wrote. "I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city. Los Angeles and Dodger fans have welcomed me, supported me and shown me nothing but kindness and love."
"This is my second home. And I 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."
The protests started June 7 as anti-immigration enforcement demonstrations. By June 8, they turned violent. Rioters spray-painted "F--- ICE" across buildings and cars, torched autonomous vehicles, and attacked officers in Paramount.
Downtown Los Angeles stores were looted later in the week. Law enforcement struggled to contain the unrest.
President Donald Trump responded by deploying the National Guard. Critics say the move will escalate the chaos, but Trump insists it's necessary. Democrats have condemned the action.
ICE’s latest operations have resulted in hundreds of arrests. The agency says it's targeting criminal illegal immigrants, but opponents accuse them of ripping apart families and arresting non-criminals.
Trump is standing firm. He’s praised ICE for their actions in Los Angeles and urged them to expand their efforts to more cities.