David Huerta, the president of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was released on a $50,000 bond Monday after being arrested during a protest against immigration raids in Los Angeles. The 58-year-old labor leader was taken into custody Friday while demonstrating outside a business under investigation for suspected immigration violations.
Huerta’s arrest has sparked nationwide protests and calls for his release, with rallies occurring from Los Angeles to New York. Demonstrators, including union members and immigrant advocates, have used the incident to criticize President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. In Boston, protesters gathered at City Hall Plaza, chanting “Free David, free them all.”
According to CTV News, Huerta, who has led the SEIU since 2022, was arrested while federal agents executed a search warrant at a Los Angeles business suspected of hiring illegal immigrants. The arrest report states that Huerta and others attempted to obstruct law enforcement by sitting in front of a vehicular gate and encouraging others to disrupt the operation.
The arrest has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and California Senators, who have demanded answers from federal officials. California Senator Adam Schiff attended Huerta’s bond hearing, expressing concern over the detention of a U.S. citizen exercising his rights.
The SEIU, which represents over 750,000 workers in California, condemned the immigration raids and pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights. In a statement, SEIU International President April Verrett demanded Huerta’s immediate release and an end to what they called “abusive workplace raids.”
According to CKPG Today, Huerta was injured during his arrest, and his attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, has not yet commented on the case. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated on social media that anyone impeding federal agents would be prosecuted.
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