LOS ANGELES – In the midst of a tumultuous summer for LA Galaxy supporters, fans decided not to attend one of the biggest games of the year.
Ahead of Saturday’s rivalry clash on the road at LAFC’s BMO Stadium, Galaxy fans from three major support groups – the Galaxy Outlawz, Angel City Brigade and Los Angeles Galaxians – opted not to bring their usual support to the away sections at the downtown LA arena.
Their club’s silence on President Donald Trump-ordered ICE raids was the reason.
The rivalry between LAFC and LA Galaxy has been fierce for eight years, and the 26th matchup between the city’s two MLS sides seemed ripe for an epic clash.
Fans of both clubs circle the rivalry, nicknamed El Trafico, on their calendars every year. Even players like LAFC forward Denis Bouanga understand its importance.
“It’s like a final,” said Bouanga, who became the second highest scorer in El Trafico history on Saturday. “A derby is always special.”
Though the Galaxy brought a 3-6-14 record against LAFC’s 10-5-5 mark, the game itself was exciting. A 3-3 draw that saw a red card and a last minute equalizer gave neutral fans reason to cheer, but something in the stands felt off.
Usually, El Trafico matchups at BMO Stadium feature two battles: one on the pitch and one in the stands, between two supporter groups competing to make the most noise. The home team typically wins the latter, but the boisterous backing from LA Galaxy fans is almost always notable.
Two sections are divided off for visiting fans at BMO Stadium. Outside of playoff games, fans from around the country typically don’t travel for weekly MLS games. However, fans from the same city do.
Galaxy supporters often fill both sections to the brim with fans bringing drums and flares. While LAFC supporters are loud, fans sitting near the Galaxy section will typically only hear the visiting fanbase.
On Saturday, it was a different story.
With the lack of Galaxy’s typical fan groups, the section felt different. Seats were not empty, but not as full as usual. Fans made noise, but not as organized as they would during other games.
The primary difference between Saturday’s game and El Trafico’s of the past is that away fans did not sing. They did not drum. They rarely chanted. When they made noise, it was as loud as usual, but not as sustained or organized.
It felt as if it lacked a synchronized group effort to create noise – which was the point.
The absence of primary supporter organizations comes after a long first half of the season from the Galaxy. Going into 2025 as the reigning MLS Cup champions, the Galaxy hoped to keep building on its history.
However, the team endured a rough start on the pitch, going winless in the first 13 games to mark the Galaxy’s worst start in club history.
Against this backdrop, a more pressing issue struck the community.
As ICE raids started across Los Angeles, fans banded together.
People took to the streets to protest. The peaceful and sometimes chaotic scenes often showed protestors wearing both LA Galaxy and LAFC jerseys as the community came together for a larger issue.
However, Galaxy fans were also upset with their club.
As ICE raids continued, the Galaxy did not make any statements about them.
As fans continued to speak up, the team’s silence continued.
On July 4, fans held a protest during a game. During the 12th minute of their Independence Day clash against Vancouver, Galaxy fans walked out.
Fans left posters in the supporters section to protest as well.
“Fight ignorance, not immigrants,” read one declaration alongside a statement against the Galaxy ownership group, Anschutz Entertainment Group, that read, “AEG loves immigrant dollars but not immigrants.”
While the Galaxy stayed silent after the protest from the fans, a decision was made for Saturday’s rivalry matchup.
“In solidarity with those who can’t attend,” read a statement from the Angel City Brigade, describing the group’s reasoning for their boycott. “The lack of help that AEG and LA Galaxy to the city of Los Angeles. The lack of communication on security for our members attending home and away due to immigration raids.”
— Angel City Brigade (@ACBrigade) July 17, 2025
As Los Angeles reacts to an eventful summer, people from all communities have bonded together for a cause they find important.
“We will not remain silent,” the Angel City Brigade said. “This is our city, our home and our people.”
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