NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) – A group of Nashville SC supporters canceled the day-of-game activities for the MLS match following recent operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tennessee, which have resulted in more than 100 arrests.
The Gold Brigade group posted a statement on social media announcing the cancellation of its pregame event ahead of Nashville’s Saturday night match against Charlotte at Geodis Park. Many in the group also boycotted the game.
“During difficult times, family stays united — when one of us is affected, we all are,” the fan group said. “And right now it doesn’t seem prudent to celebrate, cheer and revel while so many families within our community are being separated and torn apart.”
The Gold Brigade is an officially recognized Nashville SC supporters group. During Saturday’s match, a Nashville 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC, fans in attendance unfurled banners in the stands that read in English and Spanish: “Not all of us are here.”
Federal authorities and the Tennessee Highway Patrol have conducted 588 traffic stops and have placed 103 people under investigation for immigration violations, the highway patrol said on Friday. The operation began on May 3.
The operation has raised concern and anxiety among Nashville’s immigrant community. Approximately 9% of the metropolitan area’s population—roughly two million people—is immigrant, according to data analysis from the Migration Policy Institute.
“In this difficult moment for our community, our hearts break at this injustice and go out to the many families and friends who are being affected,” added the Gold Brigade.
