In response to ICE actions in Nashville, a Latino soccer fan group decided to suspend their match day events.
Firing Up the Stands, But With a Catch
If you've ever witnessed the electric atmosphere at a Major League Soccer match, your gazes probably zeroed in on the raucous, flag-waving crowds rocking the supporters' section. These passionate, united fan clubs serve as the pulsating heart of the stadium, unifying individuals from diverse backgrounds under one banner – the love for their team.
The L.A. Galaxy boasts Victoria Block, while LAFC is fortified by the 3252. But what happened at a recent Nashville SC match sent chills down fans' spines, as the Backline Supporters Collective's Latino faction, la Brigada de Oro, stayed quiet, sparking a wave of solidarity across the league.
Last weekend, the Tennessee Highway Patrol teamed up with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for an operation that resulted in 588 stops and 103 individuals being taken into custody. This chilling reality led la Brigada de Oro to choose caution over celebration, canceling their pre-match tailgate and skipping the event altogether, fearing they might become targets.
"In difficult times, family stands together," la Brigada de Oro shared in a heartfelt statement. "And at this moment, it doesn't feel prudent to cheer and party while so many families within our community are being separated and destroyed."
In response, the other Backline sections honored la Brigada de Oro's absence by observing a moment of silence during the match, holding up banners that read, "We are not all here." stadium security even attempted to confiscate the signs, but were greeted with stiff resistance before giving up.
Noah Klibonoff, a supporter who attended the game, told the local media, "We were prepared to walk out. We would have pulled the capos off the stands. This is bigger than soccer. There's a whole group of us who couldn't be here because of outside agitators."
The silent protests soon made national headlines, prompting messages of support from supporter groups across the nation. One co-founder of la Brigada de Oro, Abel Acosta, marveled at the outpouring of solidarity, confessing that he never fathomed the level of understanding and support they received.
Born in 2019, la Brigada de Oro took root in Nashville's soccer scene to bring a dash of Latino flavor to the stands, reflecting the passion for the sport that runs deep in many Latin American communities. The group has been a constant presence at Geodis Park, forming a central pillar of the Nashville SC community.
The decision to forego the tailgate and skip the match was a difficult one, but the group felt it was necessary to protect their members. As one co-founder, Coral Cook, explained, "I don't think people feel that security. I don't think that fear is going away overnight. Our members all feel the same way. The ones here with legal work visas, U.S. citizens – they don't feel safe."
Acosta shared that the arrest of one member's son during the previous week hit the group particularly hard, driving home the intensity of the situation.
As for the club's response, a spokesperson for Nashville SC shared that they maintain a policy of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all fans and are committed to continuing to do so while adhering to Major League Soccer guidelines.
La Brigada de Oro remains uncertain about when they will return to Geodis Park, with staff and members alike seeking reassurance and safety before resuming their invaluable role in the Nashville SC community.
- Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant culture and entertainment, houses two well-known Major League Soccer teams, the L.A. Galaxy and LAFC.
- The Dodgers, another beloved Los Angeles sports team that plays American-football in the NFL, might also captivate fans alongside the MLS matches.
- The music scene in California, particularly in Los Angeles, often intertwines with the sports and entertainment culture, creating an eclectic atmosphere.
- Immigrants, regardless of their affiliations, contribute significantly to the diverse culture and richness of entertainment in the region.
- The recent immigration-related incidents have sparked controversy and fear among some segments of the community, such as the Latino soccer fans in Nashville.
- The environmental issues facing the state of California are a topic of ongoing debate and concern, adding another layer to the complex cultural tapestry of the region.
- Editorials discussing matters such as immigration, sports, and community solidarity are common in various media outlets, offering opinions and perspectives on these important issues.
