The women’s professional soccer team co-owned by Disney boss Robert Iger and his wife Willow Bay has come out against the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions in the club’s home city of Los Angeles — and branded itself “Immigrant City FC” amid the controversy.
Angel City FC, the National Women’s Soccer League Team for which the Igers paid around $100 million for a controlling stake last year, posted a message on its official Instagram account over the Juneteenth holiday.
The team said it was “heartbroken by the fear and uncertainty many in our Los Angeles community are feeling right now,” referring to ICE raids in LA that have become a flashpoint in the simmering national debate over undocumented migrants.
The post continued: “At Angel City, we believe in the power of belonging. We know that our city is stronger because of its diversity and the people and families who shape it, love it, and call it home.”
The statement is part of a larger campaign launched by Angel City FC called “Immigrant City F.C.,” which includes the distribution of 10,000 bilingual T-shirts at a recent home match, according to the news site Deadline.
The initiative was backed by the team’s ownership group, including high-profile figures like Eva Longoria, Uzo Aduba, Jessica Chastain and America Ferrera.
All net proceeds from the shirt sales are being donated to Camino Immigration Services, a nonprofit law firm that represents undocumented migrants.
While Iger is not involved in day-to-day management of the club, the Disney chief and his wife, who have gained a reputation for wanting to steer clear of political controversies, both signed off on the “Immigrant City” campaign and were consulted through every step, according to Deadline.
Los Angeles sports teams have been roped into the immigration debate in the last couple of days. The Dodgers, one of two LA-based Major League Baseball clubs, said they denied permission to federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security to gain access to Dodger Stadium’s parking lot.
The federal agents instead set up shop just outside of the stadium at Chavez Ravine — prompting protesters to descend on the scene.
The Post has sought comment from Disney, Bay and the Angel City FC club.
Iger, meanwhile, has been criticized along with other media executives for bending the knee to President Donald Trump.
In December 2024, Disney, the parent company of ABC, agreed to a $16 million settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit brought by Trump.
The case stemmed from repeated on-air statements by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos, who said Trump had been “found liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll civil trial.
In fact, Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation, not rape. After a federal judge in Florida denied Disney’s motions to dismiss, and with discovery looming, the company agreed to pay $15 million to Trump’s presidential foundation and museum, along with $1 million in legal fees.
Earlier this month, Disney-owned ABC News faced another controversy when veteran correspondent Terry Moran was fired following a viral post on X.
In the post, Moran called Trump and White House adviser Stephen Miller “world-class haters,” claiming Miller’s “hatreds serve as his spiritual sustenance.” The post triggered swift condemnation from the White House, with Vice President JD Vance calling the remarks “vile.”
ABC suspended Moran within hours, citing a violation of its editorial standards, and shortly after announced his departure from the network.
Before President Trump was elected to a second term, Disney found itself at the center of America’s cultural battles. Detractors, especially on the right, have accused Disney of being too political.
In 2020, Disney publicly criticized Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act — dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by opponents — which limited how gender identity and sexual orientation could be discussed in schools.
After initially staying quiet, the company reversed course under pressure from employees and the public.
That shift drew the ire of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who moved to strip Disney of its special governing district, Reedy Creek — a privilege the company had enjoyed for more than 50 years. The dispute dragged on for two years, landing in court before a settlement was reached in 2024.
Conservatives have been critical of Disney’s handling of LGBTQ themes in its programming—particularly content aimed at children.
The most recent example involves the animated series “Win or Lose,” in which Disney reportedly removed a transgender storyline involving a character originally portrayed as transitioning.
While the character remained in the show, key dialogue and narrative elements tied to their gender identity were cut before the series aired on Disney+.
The company stated that such topics are best left to parents to address with their children—a move that was praised by many conservative viewers as a reasonable and respectful approach.
In 2022, the company was criticized for initially removing — and then restoring — a same-sex kiss in “Lightyear,” prompting international bans and boycotts.
