Galaxy fans need support now more than ever but their club has chosen to hide any of their endorsements from the public.
Across the country families are being torn apart, protestors are preparing to face illegally-deployed militia, and citizens and noncitizens alike are suffering persecution from ICE agents on a scale reminiscent of the worst moments in this nation’s history.
Coverage of the situation is inescapable. Social media is full of people voicing their support for protestors and sharing ways to support those directly affected, as well as educational resources for everyone to protect themselves during this scary time.
The world is watching as Americans refuse to take this oppression lying down.
Los Angeles has been the epicenter of the movement and LA Galaxy supporters have been on the front lines advocating for their rights. They’ve risked jail time, being captured by ICE agents regardless of legal status, and in some cases across the country even death to make their voices heard and fight against a regime that is determined to drown them out.
The LA Galaxy community and the entire city of Los Angeles are loud, but the club itself is quieter than ever. Their last post on social media was four days ago, at which point protests had already begun and neighboring women’s team Angel City FC released a statement of support and shared resources for those affected.
Since then, fear among Angelenos has only risen as President Trump has illegally called upon the National Guard and the Marines to intervene against the almost entirely peaceful protests supposedly protected by the constitution.
Many LA Galaxy supporters are feeling this fear as the club has historically enjoyed large support amongst the Latino community, the exact demographic currently being targeted. They receive plenty of their hard-earned dollars and use some of those funds to employ Latino’s at all levels.
The Galaxy are usually not shy in their support of this community, hosting multiple cultural nights every year and partnering with organisations that directly support their countries of origin like AFJA. This time, when speaking out in support of the community would mean speaking against a certain president and party, the LA Galaxy are quiet.
A source from the LA Galaxy told reporter Robert Jalon that the club will not be issuing a public statement, instead focusing on supporting the community through donations to local nonprofits and ensuring the safety of its staff.
Donating and protecting those closest to the club is commendable, but many are still feeling distanced from their club as in their view, silence is compliance.
Others are fine with the lack of statement. Some argue that sports and politics should be separated, while others more coherently mention that a statement from the LA Galaxy would be hollow as the club is owned by the Anschutz Corporation, which has donated millions to conservative causes throughout the years.
The Anschutz Corporation, owned by oil magnate Philip Anschutz, donated $2,645,128 to republican/conservative causes and spent $830,000 in lobbying efforts in 2024 alone. Anschultz himself has also invested millions in the production and distribution of conservative and Christian messaging.
Having dedicated his life to conservatism and having invested a jaw-dropping amount of money towards advancing its interests, it isn’t surprising that none of the sports teams owned by Anschultz, LA based or otherwise, have spoken out in support of those being persecuted and against the administration that is doing the persecuting.
It may be true that the Galaxy and other Anschutz Corporation subsidiaries have supported their Latin fanbase by donating to local causes, but it is also true that the choice to remain silent and keep their support hidden from the public is a conscious one, likely intended to avoid pushing narratives that go against Anschutz’s beliefs.
The Anschutz Corporation’s values may claim to be family first and about respecting the law of the land, but their subsidiaries currently have nothing to say about the families actively being destroyed by illegal means.
The LA Galaxy return to action this Saturday, June 14th, away at St. Louis City SC before continuing the road trip in Colorado and San Jose. Their next home game is on July 4th against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Galaxy supporter groups have cancelled the ever-popular bus trip to San Jose and many supporters themselves have already shared that they will boycott and refuse to support the team for the rest of the season.
It will be interesting to see the fan turnout in San Jose and at home on the 4th, and even more interesting to see how the community responds to the upcoming Central American and Mexican heritage nights in August and September.
The LA Galaxy is a club with players, staff, and supporters who are immigrants and their descendants. Immigrants and their descendants spend money on tickets, gear, food and beverage, and travel to support the LA Galaxy. Immigrants and their descendants dedicate their precious free time to make banners, organize events, and create and learn songs to support the LA Galaxy.
In turn, the LA Galaxy keep quiet and make donations in private when these people are taken off of the streets and torn from their families.
The LA Galaxy has always been the club of my heart. Today my heart breaks for the community it seems to have turned its back on.
PHOTO: Andre Bannis Photography//LAXSportsNation
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