David Huerta, the president of SEIU California, was injured and detained during an immigration enforcement raid in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. His arrest has sparked protests and calls for his release from union officials and supporters.
Huerta, 58, was at the scene to document the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents when he was taken into custody. After receiving medical treatment, he was transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he remained as of late Friday afternoon. Protesters gathered outside the facility, expressing their anger with messages like “F— ICE” and “Abolish ICE” spray-painted on the walls.
In a statement from the hospital, Huerta emphasized that his situation reflects a larger issue. “What happened to me is not about me; this is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice that’s happening,” he said. He criticized the treatment of immigrants, stating that hard-working individuals are being treated like criminals and called for collective action against such injustices.
The union stated that Huerta was arrested while exercising his First Amendment rights to observe law enforcement activities. However, federal authorities claimed he obstructed their operations by blocking access to a worksite where they were executing a warrant.
ICE agents conducted multiple searches across Los Angeles on Friday, targeting locations suspected of harboring undocumented individuals. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli made it clear that anyone impeding federal agents would face arrest. He stated, “No one has the right to assault, obstruct, or interfere with federal authorities carrying out their duties.”
The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from local officials. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn called for Huerta’s immediate release, asserting that people have the right to peacefully protest and observe law enforcement activities. Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed his support, stating that no one should be harmed for witnessing government action.
Huerta is expected to face arraignment on charges of interfering with federal officers. In addition to Huerta, 44 other individuals were arrested during the ICE operation. As tensions rose, hundreds of people rallied outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles, demanding justice and expressing solidarity with those affected by the immigration sweeps.
As the protests continued, police declared an unlawful assembly and ordered the crowd to disperse. However, many protesters remained determined to voice their opposition to the raids and support Huerta’s cause. The situation reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly in California, where many residents are advocating for immigrant rights and protection.