CA Union President Arrested During ICE Raids – LA
- David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International union California (SEIU), was detained while observing ICE raids in Los Angeles, according to the union.
- The SEIU stated that Huerta was injured during the ICE operations and is calling for his immediate release.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told NBC4 that Huerta was pepper-sprayed during the incident.
David huerta, president of SEIU California, was arrested during ICE raids in Los Angeles, sparking outrage and raising questions about the circumstances of his detention. The labor leader was reportedly injured and is receiving medical attention following the immigration raids, which resulted in approximately 44 arrests. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is actively working to secure Huerta’s release, expressing concern over the incident and the emotional impact on those witnessing families torn apart. The SEIU is defending huerta, emphasizing his First Amendment rights in observing law enforcement activity. News Directory 3 reports on the Mayor’s commitment to supporting all Angelenos, regardless of their immigration status, and her plans to meet with support groups. Discover what’s next as the investigation unfolds and the city responds.
Labor Leader Detained During ICE Immigration Raids in Los Angeles
Updated june 7, 2025
David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International union California (SEIU), was detained while observing ICE raids in Los Angeles, according to the union. The immigration raids resulted in approximately 44 arrests, Homeland Security Investigations reported.
The SEIU stated that Huerta was injured during the ICE operations and is calling for his immediate release. Tia Orr, executive director of SEIU California, said Huerta is receiving medical attention while in custody.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told NBC4 that Huerta was pepper-sprayed during the incident. She added that huerta was emotionally impacted by witnessing families being separated. Bass said she hopes to get him out of ICE custody soon.
Bass said she does not know why Huerta is being detained.
The SEIU defended Huerta, asserting he was “exercising his First Amendment right to observe and document law enforcement activity.” The union emphasized Huerta’s history of advocating for immigrant workers.
Orr also condemned the ICE raids, stating that immigrant workers are essential to society.
“We call for an end to the cruel,destructive,and indiscriminate ICE raids that are tearing apart our communities,disrupting our economy,and hurting all working people,” Orr said.
Bass plans to meet with immigrant support groups to discuss future responses to mass ICE raids. She affirmed her commitment to fighting for all Angelenos, irrespective of immigration status.
“My message to them is that we are going to fight for all Angelenos regardless of when they got here, whether they have papers or not,” Bass said.
HSI spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe said the immigration investigation remains ongoing.
What’s next
Mayor Bass intends to collaborate with immigrant support organizations to formulate strategies for addressing similar ICE operations in the future, emphasizing the city’s dedication to its immigrant population.