Los Angeles has long been a sanctuary for Mexico’s national soccer team, a place where fans have consistently shown unwavering support. This past Saturday, however, was different. The backdrop of aggressive immigration raids under the Trump administration had cast a shadow over Southern California, sparking widespread protests and leaving many in the community feeling anxious and vulnerable. Hundreds of undocumented individuals had been detained in recent days, some under questionable circumstances. This climate of fear and uncertainty made the response of the Mexican fans at the SoFi Stadium all the more remarkable.
The official attendance for the Gold Cup match between Mexico and the Dominican Republic was a staggering 54,309. “Somos indocumentados, pero aquí estamos,” declared one Mexican fan, proudly stating, “We are undocumented, but we are here.” He and his family, like many others, had come to support their team, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty despite the tense political environment.
Hours before the game, the atmosphere outside the stadium was surprisingly subdued, leading some to believe that fear might keep many away. However, as kickoff approached, the stadium filled rapidly with fervent supporters. Notably, there was no visible presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a fact that offered a measure of relief to many attendees.
While some fans expressed initial hesitation, many ultimately prioritized their love for the game and the sense of community it offered. “It was a time of mixed emotions,” confessed one woman, “We wanted to come, but we also didn’t want to come. But we decided to come. We have faith that everything will be alright, and ICE won’t come here, and we’ll all be okay. We came to clear our minds a little because all this has us very stressed.”
Others, however, felt less apprehension. “We are not afraid to go out,” asserted a young fan. “It’s a great day to go out, it’s Saturday, we have to enjoy life.” He offered a word of caution, “If you have papers, feel free to come, but if not, don’t risk it, it’s better to stay home.”
Beyond the thrill of the game, the massive turnout served as a powerful statement of unity and resilience. One fan in a maroon Mexico jersey explained, “We have to cheer for our people and show that we are united.” She emphasized the unifying power of soccer, saying it represented something they all shared and had grown up with, a common bond transcending the current political climate. While some vendors reported no knowledge of ICE activity near the stadium, others acknowledged the anxiety caused by recent events, underscoring the weight of the situation for many in the community. One fan, wrapped in the Mexican flag, simply stated, “Because we are Mexican.”
Even Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, addressed the issue after the game. He previously faced criticism for declining to comment on the raids, stating that he wasn’t a “spokesperson for migrants.” Following the game, Aguirre emphasized the team’s commitment to providing a strong performance as a way to show support to the fans. He stated that the best way to support them was through a dedicated effort on the field, connecting with the fans through their shared national pride and the team’s competitive spirit. However, some fans felt that a more direct message of solidarity from the coach would have been more meaningful.
Despite the underlying tensions, the massive turnout of Mexican fans sent a powerful message of resilience and unity. Their presence at the game demonstrated that even amidst adversity, the passion for their national team and the strength of their community would not be silenced.
