HARTFORD — SEIU 1199NE condemns in the strongest terms the violent and unjust detention of SEIU California leader and SEIU-USWW President David Huerta by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while he was peacefully observing and protesting the agency’s raids in Los Angeles.
David Huerta was born and raised in Los Angeles County. He is the son of a union member, a husband, and a father of two. He has spent his life fighting for the rights and dignity of low-wage and immigrant workers. His leadership in the historic Justice for Janitors strike helped awaken a new era of immigrant power in the American labor movement. Under his direction, SEIU members have secured groundbreaking victories — from expanded paid sick leave to wage increases for hotel and airport workers to immigrant integration programs that reflect the full humanity of our members.
That someone like David — a citizen, a labor leader, a peaceful protester — could be violently assaulted, injured, hospitalized, and detained by ICE should terrify every person who believes in democracy.
Peaceful protest is not a crime. Defending immigrant families is not a crime. It is a moral duty.
This administration is weaponizing federal agencies to target its critics and suppress dissent. What happened to David is not just a violation of his rights — it is a warning to all who dare to speak out for justice. And it is a warning we refuse to accept in silence.
SEIU 1199NE joins union members and community leaders across the country in demanding David Huerta’s immediate release from federal custody. We demand an end to the indiscriminate, politically motivated ICE raids that are ripping apart families and communities and undermining our shared freedoms.
We will not be intimidated. We will not be divided. And we will not stop until justice is served.
For questions or any further comment please contact SEIU 1199NE at comms@seiu1199ne.org or 860-280-6443.