Demand for Immediate Release of SEIU Leader David Huerta by AFSCME

Labor Community Rallies for David Huerta's Release Following ICE Arrest

In a dramatic turn of events, David Huerta, a prominent labor leader in California, was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Los Angeles last Friday. The arrest has sparked a wave of protests and calls for his immediate release from figures across the labor movement.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders took to a rally in Washington, D.C., on Monday to voice strong opposition to Huerta's detention, stating, “We stand with David and demand this now: Free David!” Saunders further emphasized the collective nature of the incident, noting, “This is an attack on all of us. We need to make our voices heard every single day.”

Huerta's arrest, described as violent by witnesses, occurred while he was reportedly observing immigration enforcement activities. According to reports, his presence at the scene was peaceful, raising concerns about the implications for free speech rights.

In a statement released on Sunday, Saunders underscored these concerns, asserting that Huerta's free speech rights were violated during the incident. The labor leader's arrest has been met with widespread condemnation from various labor organizations.

David Huerta holds significant roles as the vice president of the California Federation of Labor and as president of both SEIU California and SEIU-United Service Workers West. In response to his arrest, Huerta issued a statement through SEIU California, shedding light on his ordeal and calling for justice.