NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — In the stands of the Geodis Park stadium Wednesday night, Nashville SC was missing some of its biggest supporters.
La Brigada De Oro, the Hispanic community that backs the club, says it's taking a break from going to the matches and any pre-game activities after recent ICE activity across Middle Tennessee.
Abel Acosta, who helped start the group, says their organization is all about celebrating their heritage and soccer in Nashville. They hold tailgates and attend every game. But in recent weeks, unexpected ICE arrests have shaken the community.
“Terrifying, honestly," said Acosta. "You don’t want to feel persecuted, you don’t want to feel targeted...and that’s exactly what’s going on.”
While Acosta made the hard decision to pause all group activities, he said it's not about the team. They still support Nashville SC but say this is about supporting something bigger than the sport.
“Going to the stadium or coming to the stadium, our people are being targeted more than anything," he explained. “Our decision to pause was not because La Brigada, our members, are illegal...it’s because, again, what’s happening in our community."
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at nikki.hauser@newschannel5.com.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
