La Brigada De Oro, Nashville SC's first Latin American support group, halted its game-day festivities as immigration sweeps by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) instilled widespread fear within the community. According to WSMV4, over 100 individuals have been detained following traffic stops by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, which reported 588 stops up to last week. "It just didn’t feel right for us to be celebrating something, when our members that we stand next to don’t feel safe," a member of La Brigada conveyed the sentiment to WSMV4, emphasizing the sense of dread felt within their ranks.
At Geodis Park, during Nashville SC's victory over Charlotte FC, banners were seen declaring "We are not all here" in both English and Spanish, signifying the supporter group's reaction to the arrests. A member of La Brigada echoed the group's sentiment, stating, "During difficult times, family stands together — when one of us is affected, we all are," highlighting the rationale behind their protest in a statement cited by News 2. Local leaders demanded more transparency from law enforcement in light of ICE's actions working in conjunction with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, which pulled over at least 360 vehicles around immigrant-heavy areas.
Despite the absence of La Brigada members from the match, other fans in the supporters section fostered an atmosphere of solidarity. A 10-minute moment of silence, from the 15th to 25th minute of the match, was observed with flags and signs bearing the group's name. Fans held banners stating "We are not all here," which was also reported by The Tennessean.
While the supporter group emphasized their bond in the face of adversity, Nashville SC itself issued a statement expressing its commitment to an inclusive and family-friendly environment at its stadium. "Since its inception, Nashville SC has provided and promoted a welcoming, inclusive, family-friendly environment at our stadium for Nashville, Middle Tennessee, and beyond, and we will continue to do so," proclaimed Nashville SC, as obtained by News 2. Meanwhile, La Brigada De Oro seems set on withholding their usual celebratory match-day activities until it deems the climate more favorable for all their members to partake in the festivities without fear.
