Singer Nezza Defies Dodgers’ Order, Sings National Anthem in Spanish Amid Tensions Over ICE Raids

Singer Nezza, born Vanessa Hernández, stirred controversy and pride when she performed the U.S. National Anthem in Spanish, “El Pendón Estrellado,” at the Los Angeles Dodgers game on June 14 — despite being told by team officials she was not allowed to sing it in Spanish.

The 32-year-old artist took to the field ahead of the Dodgers’ matchup against their rivals, the San Francisco Giants, choosing to sing the anthem in its Spanish-language version, a rendition commissioned by the U.S. State Department in 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy to strengthen ties with Latin America. The lyrics were crafted by Peruvian-American composer Clotilde Arias.

In a now-viral TikTok video, Nezza shared the moment she was told by a Dodgers representative, “We are going to do the song in English today,” adding that she was not sure whether that message had been properly conveyed to her. The video then cuts to her singing passionately in Spanish to the crowd, with the caption, “So I did it anyway.”

Nezza explained in a follow-up video that her decision was deeply personal and political. “I just got home from singing the national anthem in Spanish at the Dodgers game, and it is the official Star Spangled Banner in Spanish,” she said emotionally. She described how the anti-ICE raids and the “No Kings” protests in Los Angeles that month influenced her choice. “I’m proud of myself for doing that today because my parents are immigrants. They’ve been citizens for decades, but I just can’t imagine them being ripped away from me, even at this age, let alone as a little kid.”

Nezza’s act was met with mixed reactions online, with many praising her courage and others questioning the appropriateness of the anthem being sung in any language other than English at a major American sporting event. Still, she stood firm, emphasizing the song’s official status and the cultural significance of her heritage. Wearing a t-shirt honoring the Dominican Republic during her performance, she called her choice “out of love” and “good energy.”

The Dodgers organization did not issue an immediate comment, though a team official told the Los Angeles Times there would be no penalties and Nezza would be welcome back in the future.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in Los Angeles surrounding immigration enforcement, community identity, and cultural expression. Several local sports figures have voiced their support for immigrant communities, including Dodgers shortstop Kike Hernández, who posted an emotional message on Instagram condemning the ICE raids and affirming the city as “#CityOfImmigrants.”

Angel City F.C., the city’s professional women’s soccer team, also made a statement by distributing “Immigrant City Football Club” shirts to fans and players at their June 14 match.

As these cultural and political debates continue, Nezza’s performance will be remembered as a bold assertion of Latinx identity and the power of music to spark dialogue in America’s melting pot.