ICE Raids in Nashville Prompt La Brigada De Oro to Suspend Matchday Activities - (2025)

Updated: 12/06/2025

Following recent events in Nashville, tensions within the Latin American community have been heightened due to a series of raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The repercussions of these raids have resonated deeply, particularly impacting La Brigada De Oro, Nashville SC's most prominent Latin American supporters group. The group's decision to pause their matchday activities reflects the palpable fear and uncertainty faced by many in the Latino community.

Founded ahead of Nashville SC's move to Major League Soccer in 2020, La Brigada De Oro was established with the goal of integrating Latin matchday customs into the vibrant soccer culture of the city. However, the recent ICE activity in Nashville has cast a shadow over the community, leading to profound feelings of being targeted and hunted, as articulated by Abel Acosta, the group's president and co-founder.

The raids, carried out with the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security, resulted in 103 detentions out of 588 traffic stops. Amidst this turmoil, La Brigada De Oro has made the difficult decision to distance themselves from the matches out of concern for their safety, highlighting the deep impact of the recent events on the local community.

The Impact of ICE Raids on Nashville's Latino Community

The Latin American population in the Nashville-Davidson metropolitan area makes up a significant portion, with 13.8% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Against the backdrop of this diverse demographic, the raids have sparked widespread fear and apprehension, transcending beyond mere political discourse and delving into an overarching humanitarian crisis.

Abel Acosta's poignant remarks encapsulate the prevailing sentiment within the community, where individuals of Latino and Hispanic descent, regardless of their immigration status, feel vulnerable and exposed. The notion of being “systematically removed” lingers heavily, casting a somber light on the challenges faced by those who call Nashville home.

Furthermore, the fear instilled by the ICE operations extends beyond just concerns of immediate detention. The mere act of attending a soccer match at GEODIS Park, Nashville SC's soccer-specific stadium located in a city-owned fairgrounds area, evokes apprehension among La Brigada members. The proximity of the stadium to common areas of ICE activity amplifies the uncertainties surrounding community safety.

The Response from La Brigada De Oro

Amidst these trying circumstances, La Brigada De Oro's decision to abstain from Nashville SC matches, including the forthcoming fixture against the New York Red Bulls, underscores the profound impact of the recent events on the community. The group, formed with the intent of celebrating and sharing their Latin heritage, now finds itself navigating a landscape fraught with fear and distress.

The absence of La Brigada De Oro from the stands represents more than a mere statement of protest. It symbolizes a community's cry for safety, assurance, and solidarity in a time of uncertainty and upheaval. Their choice to forgo matchday activities serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals impacted by the recent ICE raids.

Looking Ahead: Unity and Resilience

As Nashville grapples with the aftermath of the ICE raids and the ensuing impact on the Latino community, the resilience and unity demonstrated by groups like La Brigada De Oro stand as testaments to the unwavering spirit of solidarity and support within the city. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead, the community's collective strength and determination to stand together in the face of adversity offer a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of fear and apprehension.

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