The recent detention of David Huerta, a prominent union leader, has sparked significant political reactions across California. Huerta, the 58-year-old president of the statewide janitor's union and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was arrested by federal agents on Friday during an immigration protest in Los Angeles. This protest occurred outside a garment warehouse where demonstrators opposed an apparent workplace immigration raid. Following his arrest, Huerta faced charges of conspiracy to impede federal officers associated with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid.
In the wake of Huerta's arrest, prominent Democrats rushed to his defense, highlighting his long-standing commitment to worker advocacy. California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement, asserting, “David Huerta is a respected leader, a patriot, and an advocate for working people. No one should ever be harmed for witnessing government action.” Huerta is currently in federal custody, representing a union that boasts nearly 750,000 members, which plays a crucial role in California’s political landscape. The SEIU California represents a diverse group of workers, including nurses, university researchers, janitors, and public sector employees. Notably, the union is a significant donor to Democratic candidates, and an endorsement from SEIU is considered a prestigious accolade by many lawmakers.
Huerta's roots in labor activism run deep, tracing back to the 1990s when he began organizing janitors in California. His family background includes immigrant grandparents from Mexico and a father who was a member of the Teamsters union. Over the years, Huerta has led historic strikes in Los Angeles aimed at improving wages and has actively engaged in immigration politics. Following post-9/11 immigration crackdowns, Huerta championed reforms to assist undocumented workers in obtaining legal status. As the head of SEIU United Service Workers West, he has prioritized English education and citizenship for union members.
Under Huerta's leadership, the SEIU has achieved significant milestones, including advocating for a $25 minimum wage for all health care workers in the state. In 2016, the union also succeeded in pushing for enhanced training and stronger protections against harassment for janitors, many of whom face dangerous working conditions during late-night shifts. Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire criticized ICE’s actions as “fascist tactics,” while U.S. Senator Adam Schiff labeled the arrest as part of a broader intimidation campaign by the White House.
As details of Huerta's arrest emerge, federal authorities accuse him of obstructing agents executing a judicial warrant. However, the specifics surrounding the incident remain unclear. Eyewitness accounts and video footage shared on social media depict law enforcement agents forcibly apprehending Huerta as nearby protesters voiced their outrage. Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, claimed that Huerta had "deliberately obstructed" federal agents by blocking their vehicle, although his office has not disclosed the warrant details, only stating that the agents were targeting businesses non-compliant with federal immigration laws.
Currently, Huerta is being held at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles and is scheduled to appear in court on charges of impeding a federal agent. In a statement released by SEIU California, Huerta expressed his concerns regarding the treatment of hard-working individuals: “Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice.” To support Huerta and advocate for his release, the union is organizing a protest.
As a leader representing a significant demographic of immigrant workers, Huerta has been a steadfast advocate for a path to citizenship and has fought to halt deportations and workplace raids. The incident at the garment warehouse, where Huerta was arrested, saw a gathering of advocates and protesters who aimed to witness federal agents conduct an immigration raid. Reports indicate that ICE executed four search warrants that day, resulting in the arrest of 44 individuals who were in the U.S. without authorization.
