Fact Check: "Angel City FC supports immigration rights, branding themselves 'Immigrant City Football Club.'"
What We Know
Angel City FC, a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team based in Los Angeles, has publicly declared its support for immigration rights by adopting the moniker "Immigrant City Football Club." This initiative was prominently displayed during a home match against North Carolina on June 14, 2025, where the club distributed 10,000 T-shirts emblazoned with "Immigrant City Football Club" on the front and "Los Angeles is for everyone / Los Ángeles es para todos" on the back (source-1, source-2). The action was a response to ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the resulting protests in the Los Angeles area (source-3).
Club representatives, including players and staff, wore these shirts as a show of solidarity with the immigrant community. Angel City’s Senior Social Media Coordinator, Yaoziuatl Martinez, emphasized that the club's identity is deeply intertwined with the immigrant community, stating, "Our team is made up of immigrants. Our staff is made up of immigrants" (source-4). Additionally, a statement read by founding investor Becky G highlighted the integral role of immigrants in the fabric of Los Angeles and the sport itself (source-5).
Analysis
The claim that Angel City FC supports immigration rights and identifies as "Immigrant City Football Club" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The club's actions, including the distribution of T-shirts and the public statements made by players and staff, clearly demonstrate their commitment to advocating for immigrant rights (source-6).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include reputable news outlets such as The New York Times, BBC, and Los Angeles Times, which have a history of thorough reporting. The statements made by club officials and players are consistent across various reports, reinforcing the authenticity of their commitment to immigration rights. Furthermore, the club's actions align with broader movements within sports to address social justice issues, adding to the credibility of their stance (source-7).
While some may argue that sports teams should remain apolitical, the overwhelming evidence of Angel City FC's actions and statements indicates a deliberate choice to engage with social issues affecting their community, particularly in light of the ongoing ICE raids (source-8).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
Angel City FC's branding as "Immigrant City Football Club" and their support for immigration rights is well-documented through their actions and public statements. The club's initiative to distribute T-shirts and make public declarations of support for immigrants reflects a genuine commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of immigrant communities in Los Angeles.
Sources
- Angel City FC players wear 'Immigrant City Football Club' shirts amid ...
- Angel City FC wear 'Immigrant City Football Club' T-shirts amid ICE ...
- Angel City takes stand against immigration raids as others stay silent
- This is Immigrant City
- Amidst rise of anti-immigration policies, Angel City FC declares ...
- Angel City FC wear shirts supporting immigrant community
- 'Immigrant City Football Club' - Angel City sends message
- Immigrant City Hub
