On a summer evening at Dodger Stadium, with over 51,000 fans looking on, Nezza, a Dominican American artist, made headlines by singing the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," in Spanish. Her decision was not just a performance but a protest against the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles, which have sparked fear and anxiety among the city's immigrant communities[1].
Nezza, whose full name is Vanessa Hernández, faced pressure from the Dodgers organization to perform the anthem in English. This request was relayed to her just before she took the field, as seen on a TikTok video she posted. Ignoring this directive, Nezza chose to sing "El Pendón Estrellado," the official Spanish version commissioned by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, to stand in solidarity with the Latino community[1].
The political climate in Los Angeles at the time of her performance added weight to Nezza's protest. ICE raids had been ongoing since early June, targeting areas with significant Latino populations. These raids have not just been unsettling due to the arrests but also because of the increased military presence ordered by then-President Donald Trump, including the deployment of U.S. Marines to certain districts in the city[2].
Despite her decision going against the Dodgers' instructions, Nezza's rendition resonated with many in attendance, while also causing mixed reactions across social media platforms. Some praised her courage to stand up against a system that she believed was unjust, while others criticized her action as inappropriate for a sports setting. However, her choice to sing in Spanish amplified voices against enforced separations and profiling of immigrant families in Los Angeles[3].
The Dodgers, who have been largely silent amid the immigration debates and protests, have stated that Nezza was not banned from returning to Dodger Stadium, despite her statement on TikTok about never being allowed back. This contradiction highlights ongoing tensions within sports organizations when it comes to handling politically charged issues[2]. Nezza's bold performance has left an indelible mark, offering a powerful reminder that the anthem can be a conduit for messages of unity and dissent alike.
References:
1. Singer defied Dodgers, belted anthem in Spanish
3. Nezza Speaks Out on Defying Dodgers’ Rules by Singing National Anthem in Spanish
