Pro Soccer Team Stands with Migrants Amid ICE Protests

Rebecca Gomez attends the MexTour game

Rebecca Gomez attends the MexTour game, Becky G aka Rebecca Gomez poses with fans, Becky G dribbles a soccer ball on the field, Moments before complete chaos erupts during protests in LA, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden dribbles the ball, Sarah Gorden (11) heads the ball against Bay FC, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden prepares for a match, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden (11) reacts after fouling

Angel City FC, part of the National Women’s Soccer League, expressed support for immigrant communities during a match against North Carolina Courage. Players wore T-shirts reading “Immigrant City Football Club” and “Los Angeles is for everyone / Los Ángeles es para todos.” The shirts aimed to showcase their commitment amidst rising anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles County.

Becky G aka Rebecca Gomez poses with fans

Rebecca Gomez attends the MexTour game, Becky G aka Rebecca Gomez poses with fans, Becky G dribbles a soccer ball on the field, Moments before complete chaos erupts during protests in LA, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden dribbles the ball, Sarah Gorden (11) heads the ball against Bay FC, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden prepares for a match, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden (11) reacts after fouling

Club Investor Becky Gomez said, "At Angel City, we believe in the power of belonging. We know that Los Angeles is stronger because of its diversity and the people and the families who shape it, love it and call it home."

Becky G dribbles a soccer ball on the field

Rebecca Gomez attends the MexTour game, Becky G aka Rebecca Gomez poses with fans, Becky G dribbles a soccer ball on the field, Moments before complete chaos erupts during protests in LA, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden dribbles the ball, Sarah Gorden (11) heads the ball against Bay FC, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden prepares for a match, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden (11) reacts after fouling

Gomez added, "The fabric of this city is made of immigrants. Football does not exist without immigrants. This club does not exist without immigrants."

Moments before complete chaos erupts during protests in LA

Rebecca Gomez attends the MexTour game, Becky G aka Rebecca Gomez poses with fans, Becky G dribbles a soccer ball on the field, Moments before complete chaos erupts during protests in LA, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden dribbles the ball, Sarah Gorden (11) heads the ball against Bay FC, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden prepares for a match, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden (11) reacts after fouling

The players of Angel City FC jointly stated, "We are heartbroken by the fear and uncertainty many in our Los Angeles community are feeling right now."

Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden dribbles the ball

Rebecca Gomez attends the MexTour game, Becky G aka Rebecca Gomez poses with fans, Becky G dribbles a soccer ball on the field, Moments before complete chaos erupts during protests in LA, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden dribbles the ball, Sarah Gorden (11) heads the ball against Bay FC, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden prepares for a match, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden (11) reacts after fouling

During escalating anti-ICE protests marked by riots and looting, Angel City FC’s coaching staff worked with supporter groups to reinforce their messaging and unity.

Sarah Gorden (11) heads the ball against Bay FC

Rebecca Gomez attends the MexTour game, Becky G aka Rebecca Gomez poses with fans, Becky G dribbles a soccer ball on the field, Moments before complete chaos erupts during protests in LA, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden dribbles the ball, Sarah Gorden (11) heads the ball against Bay FC, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden prepares for a match, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden (11) reacts after fouling

Angel City Defender Sarah Gorden said, “We made a point to wear our shirts for walkout, and we really wanted to stand with the community, and of course, everyone is affected emotionally, and like I said before, it’s another weight to hold.”

Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden prepares for a match

Rebecca Gomez attends the MexTour game, Becky G aka Rebecca Gomez poses with fans, Becky G dribbles a soccer ball on the field, Moments before complete chaos erupts during protests in LA, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden dribbles the ball, Sarah Gorden (11) heads the ball against Bay FC, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden prepares for a match, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden (11) reacts after fouling

The NWSL Players Association said, “We stand with all people seeking safety, dignity, and opportunity, no matter where they come from or where they hope to go.”

Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden (11) reacts after fouling

Rebecca Gomez attends the MexTour game, Becky G aka Rebecca Gomez poses with fans, Becky G dribbles a soccer ball on the field, Moments before complete chaos erupts during protests in LA, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden dribbles the ball, Sarah Gorden (11) heads the ball against Bay FC, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden prepares for a match, Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden (11) reacts after fouling

The NWSL Players Association added, “Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We know not every situation is simple. But offering compassion should never be up for debate.”

Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.