On May 10, 2025, La Brigada De Oro, an official supporters group for Nashville SC, canceled its game-day events and organized a boycott of the team's match against Charlotte FC. This action was in protest of recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Tennessee, which began on May 3 and involved 588 traffic stops, resulting in the detention of 103 individuals for alleged immigration violations. During the match, which Nashville SC won 2-1, fans displayed banners reading "We are not all here" in both English and Spanish, signaling their support for those impacted by the ICE operations.

La Brigada De Oro, Nashville SC's first Latin American supporters group, aims to create a passionate fútbol environment and positively impact the community. The group emphasizes diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals from all cultural backgrounds. Their decision to boycott the match underscores the intersection of sports and social activism, highlighting the broader tensions between local communities and federal immigration policies.

The ICE operations, conducted in collaboration with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, have drawn significant criticism from immigrant advocacy groups. The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition condemned the actions, alleging racial profiling and expressing concern over the intimidation of Nashville's diverse immigrant population. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also condemned the operations, citing "deep community harm," and clarified that Metro Nashville Police were not involved in the approximately 150 traffic stops conducted. In response, Mayor O’Connell announced the launch of the Belonging Fund, designed to provide resources for housing, food, child care, and transportation to support affected immigrant families.

This is not the first time Tennessee has experienced significant ICE operations. In April 2018, a major raid occurred at Southeastern Provisions, a meatpacking facility in Grainger County, resulting in the detention of 97 individuals suspected of residing in the United States unlawfully. The event remains one of the largest workplace raids in United States history.

The recent ICE operations and subsequent community responses highlight the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in Tennessee. The state's immigrant population constitutes about 9% of the metro area's 2 million people, including large communities from Mexico, Honduras, and Kurdish and refugee populations from around the world. The actions of La Brigada De Oro and other community leaders reflect a growing movement to support and protect these communities in the face of increased enforcement measures.

As the situation continues to develop, the role of sports organizations and their supporters in advocating for social issues remains a significant aspect of the broader discourse on immigration and community solidarity.