SEIU California President David Huerta Arrested, Injured During Large-Scale ICE Raids in Los Angeles

David Huerta, president of SEIU California and SEIU-United Service Workers West, was injured and detained by ICE agents during raids in downtown Los Angeles while peacefully observing and documenting the immigration enforcement operations. The arrest, which involved Huerta being pushed to the ground and suffering a head injury, sparked widespread protests and condemnation from labor unions, immigrant rights activists, and Democratic politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and State Senator Scott Wiener, who described the raids as unjust and compared them to fascist tactics. ICE and federal authorities maintained that Huerta deliberately obstructed their operation by blocking an ICE vehicle, leading to his arrest for interference with federal officers. Huerta was hospitalized for treatment and remains in custody pending arraignment, while SEIU and allied unions have called for his immediate release and pledged continued resistance against what they describe as violent and terrorizing raids targeting immigrant communities. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement agencies and community and labor leaders advocating for immigrant rights. SEIU and its members vow to keep fighting back against such enforcement actions and support those detained during the raids.