ICE Arrests Union Leader: Trump & Immigration
ICES arrest of union leader David Huerta has ignited California’s labor movement. The detention of the SEIU-USWW and SEIU California president by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sparked outrage, galvanizing union members to oppose mass deportations. Tia Orr, executive director of SEIU California, stresses the arrest’s impact on awakening solidarity. Unions, including support from Gov. Gavin Newsom and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, are planning action in response, with a gathering planned for Huerta’s arraignment. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli claims Huerta interfered with officers. News Directory 3 will provide further breaking information. Discover what’s next as Stephen Miller aims to increase immigration raids.
David Huerta’s Arrest Ignites California Labor Movement
Updated June 08, 2025
The arrest of David Huerta, a prominent leader within the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), has sparked outrage and action within California’s labor movement. Huerta, president of both SEIU-USWW and SEIU California, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday, prompting widespread condemnation and a renewed focus on the fight against mass deportations.
Tia Orr, executive director of SEIU California, emphasized the profound impact of Huerta’s arrest. she believes it has awakened a sense of urgency and solidarity among union members and communities across the state, leading to unprecedented levels of engagement and a commitment to historical action.The incident has amplified the unions’ existing disapproval of mass deportations, pushing them to take a more forceful stance.
According to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli,Huerta was arrested for interfering with federal officers executing a lawful judicial warrant at a Los Angeles worksite.Essayli stated that Huerta deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle and that such actions would not be tolerated, regardless of the individual’s identity.
Huerta’s background includes a long history of activism and advocacy for workers’ rights. He played a key role in growing the Justice for Janitors campaign, which fought for better wages and working conditions for immigrant Latina women in Los Angeles.His dedication to collective power and social justice has earned him respect and recognition, including being honored as a “Champion of Change” by President Obama.
“They have woke us up. And I think they’ve woke people up across the nation, certainly in California, and people are ready to get to action. I haven’t seen that in a long time. I don’t know that I’ve seen something like that before, and so yes, it is going to result in action that I believe is going to be historical.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler have voiced their support for Huerta. Shuler, representing 15 million members, affirmed the labor movement’s solidarity with Huerta and their commitment to demanding justice until his release. Union members from across California are planning to gather for Huerta’s arraignment in downtown Los Angeles.
What’s next
As Stephen Miller, architect of Trump’s deportation plans, aims to increase immigration raids, California’s unions are preparing to resist. The arrest of David Huerta has galvanized the labor movement, setting the stage for a protracted battle over immigration policy and workers’ rights.