Dodgers block ICE agents from entering stadium in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Thursday they blocked federal immigration agents from entering its stadium as dozens of anti-ICE protesters gathered outside of the sports venue.

The Major League Baseball club said on social media that federal officers employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement showed up at the stadium and "requested permission to access the parking lots."

"They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization," the Dodgers said, adding that their game against the Padres will go on on the stadium as scheduled.

As numerous black SUV cars stood on the other side of the road, demonstrators gathering outside the gates were spotted carrying signs and yelling "ICE out of L.A." and "ICE go home." Some of the federal agents appeared to be wearing Homeland Security uniforms.

The appearance of ICE agents comes as the Dodgers prepare to break their silence on the ongoing federal immigration raids in Los Angeles — operations that have left much of the team’s Latino fan base on edge.

The Dodgers’ initial decision to remain publicly silent has drawn sharp criticism and become a political flashpoint in the city. Enrique "Kiké" Hernández is the only player to have spoken out on the raids thus far.

According to Hernandez, the federal agents were first seen outside of the stadium early in the morning.

“We’re trying to figure out what’s going on,” she said.

“They haven’t left yet,” Hernandez said early Thursday afternoon.

Los Angeles police were called in, Hernandez said. They arrived in tactical gear at around 2:25 p.m. ET and started moving protesters out of the way.