USA | David Huerta: Union leader arrested in Los Angeles

David Huerta is one of the most influential figures in the US labor movement. As president of SEIU California and SEIU United Service Workers West (USWW), he leads a union with 750,000 members. Huerta's involvement began in the 1990s with the highly acclaimed "Justice for Janitors" campaign in Los Angeles. At the time, he organized migrant cleaning workers who often worked under deplorable conditions. Huerta was an early advocate for immigrants' rights, including as president of SEIU-USWW. Under his leadership, English courses and citizenship assistance for members were introduced, and the union successfully campaigned for stronger protections against sexual harassment in the cleaning industry.

Last Friday, Huerta was arrested during a protest against an ICE raid in Los Angeles. He had been documenting the authorities' actions as an observer. Federal authorities accuse him of obstructing their work. His arrest sparked widespread solidarity. Politicians, unions, and civil rights groups called for his release and criticized the criminalization of union activity. On June 9, the 58-year-old was released on bail, but he remains under indictment. His conditions include staying 100 yards (91.44 m) away from federal facilities and law enforcement officers.

In a statement , the SEIU emphasized that Huerta's efforts exemplify the collective fight against injustice: "What happened to David affects all of us. We will continue to stand up for the rights and dignity of all workers."