LAFC and ‘Black & Gold’ fans stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ in wake of Los Angeles ICE raids

Amid the chaos in the Los Angeles metropolitan area over the weekend, the LAFC vs. Sporting Kansas City match was played on Sunday as part of the latest round of 2025 Major League Soccer fixtures.

The Black & Gold ran out 3-1 winners against Sporting KC in a match that was overshadowed by recent arrests by carried out by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on orders from Donald Trump.

Before the match, LAFC posted a message on social media expressing support for its fans. With its “Shoulder to Shoulder” initiative, LAFC wrote: “LAFC believes the true strength of our community lies in the people and cultures that make up this beautiful and diverse city. Today, when our city feels fear and uncertainty, LAFC stands shoulder to shoulder with every member of our community.”

Later, as members of the “3252” supporters group arrived, they unfurled a banner with a clear message stating: “Abolish ICE.”

As the game got underway, other equally direct messages could be seen: “Immigrants are the heart of Los Angeles,” “Race united,” and “Fuck LA, Immigration.”

LAFC fans demonstrated unity in the face of the arrests suffered by a large part of their community, and this stance they feel is is important so that people outside of California understand what is happening.

Segura missed the energy of The 3252

LAFC fans and in particular the 3252 group usually make plenty of noise in supporting the team for the entire 90 minutes of every game, regardless of whether they win, lose or draw. However, on Sunday night, for the first time, they remained silent for the entire match as a sign of protest.

LAFC’s Colombian Eddie Segura commented on the situation post-game: “Since I arrived here, the first time this has happened, it felt a little strange because they’re always supporting us no matter what. It was a strange game without them cheering us on. We dedicate this win to all those people who are suddenly having a hard time with this whole situation, and we hope things can get better a little.”

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