Confusion at Dodger Stadium and National Scrutiny as Anti-ICE Protests Intensify Across U.S.

The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed Thursday that federal immigration agents had attempted to access the grounds of Dodger Stadium, sparking swift controversy and confusion. However, those claims were promptly denied by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which stated that its agents were never at the stadium and never sought entry.

In a now-viral post on X (formerly Twitter), the Dodgers’ official account asserted that ICE personnel had requested permission to enter the stadium’s parking areas. The post was interpreted by many as a proactive stance by the organization amid rising tensions over immigration enforcement across California.

ICE officials responded sharply, dismissing the claim as entirely false. “ICE was never at Dodgers Stadium, and thus never tried to gain access,” the agency stated. A separate reply posted directly to the Dodgers’ account simply read: “False. We were never there.”

The incident caused widespread speculation online, as law enforcement vehicles had been seen outside the ballpark earlier in the day. The sighting initially led demonstrators and observers to believe that ICE was conducting enforcement activity at the stadium, contributing to mounting tensions over federal immigration operations in Los Angeles.

Later, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clarified that some of its vehicles had briefly entered the parking lot but said the presence was entirely unrelated to any immigration enforcement action. In a statement, CBP confirmed, “CBP vehicles were in the stadium parking lot very briefly, and the visit had nothing to do with the Dodgers or any enforcement activity.”

As confusion around the federal presence settled, attention turned toward a broader investigation into the organizers and funders behind recent anti-ICE demonstrations that have erupted in Los Angeles and several other U.S. cities. These protests, some of which have turned violent, are now under review by federal lawmakers.

Crowds on Demand, a California-based agency known for organizing demonstration groups for various causes, confirmed to Fox News Digital that it had received multiple high-budget requests to participate in anti-ICE actions. The company said it declined the offers, citing legal and ethical concerns.

“We’ve received numerous inquiries related to these demonstrations, but we chose not to participate,” a company spokesperson said. “We avoid any involvement that could lead to violence, vandalism, or illegal activity, especially actions that block public roads without permits.”

While the company refrained from identifying potential clients, it did note that such requests were not unusual. “We receive inquiries tied to nearly every major social issue, from both sides of the political spectrum. But we only engage with causes we view as grounded in common sense and legality.”

The statement also emphasized safety concerns for any peaceful protestors involved in the current unrest. “Even organizing peaceful demonstrators around an issue like ICE can be risky, especially when violent agitators might infiltrate events and law enforcement can’t easily distinguish between lawful and unlawful participants.”

In Washington, scrutiny over the funding of these demonstrations is intensifying. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, has announced a formal investigation into the groups potentially bankrolling the protests. He is joined by Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA), who has expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest at the state level.

One of the groups now facing questions is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), a well-known advocacy organization based in California. According to lawmakers, CHIRLA is believed to be involved in the logistical support and possible financial backing of some protest activities.

In a post on X, Hawley stated, “Who is funding the LA riots? This violence isn’t spontaneous. As chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Terrorism, I’m launching an investigation to find out.”

Hawley also issued a formal letter to CHIRLA, warning the organization to immediately cease any involvement in what he called “aiding and abetting criminal conduct.” The letter cited “credible reporting” that suggests the group may have supported individuals involved in recent disruptions.

CHIRLA has not yet publicly responded to the letter. While the organization has previously campaigned against ICE and has received significant government funding—including three grants of $750,000 each during the Biden administration—there is currently no confirmed evidence that it financed any unlawful activity.

Documents reviewed by Fox News Digital also connect the Million Voter Project, a progressive California political initiative that opposed Governor Gavin Newsom’s recall, to anti-ICE activities. The group reportedly received funding that originated, in part, from the same grants.

Although both CHIRLA and the Million Voter Project have promoted immigration reform and criticized ICE enforcement practices, there is no indication at this time that either group directly supported or encouraged violent behavior during the recent protests.

As investigations continue, federal and state officials remain focused on distinguishing between constitutionally protected speech and unlawful actions, especially amid growing political pressure and national media attention.