UNI Global Union statement on the arrest of SEIU California president David Huerta

The following statement can be attributed to Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union:

UNI Global Union strongly condemns the arrest of David Huerta, President of SEIU California and SEIU United Service Workers West (USWW), who was injured and detained while observing and documenting a violent ICE raid in Los Angeles.

Huerta was acting within his First Amendment rights as a community observer, standing in solidarity with immigrant workers during a time of crisis. His arrest is not only an attempt to silence a labour leader—it is a disturbing signal that holding power accountable can itself be treated as a crime.

David Huerta began his organizing career with Justice for Janitors, the groundbreaking campaign that mobilized immigrant janitors across the United States to demand dignity, respect, and better working conditions. That movement—born in Los Angeles, and powered by courageous people —transformed lives and redefined what was possible for low-wage immigrant workers.

Like the janitors who laid down in the streets of Los Angeles in the 1990s demanding recognition and rights, Huerta stood peacefully this week with today’s immigrant workers—many of whom face renewed threats of detention, deportation, and family separation.

UNI Global Union demands the immediate release of David Huerta and all others detained while exercising their first amendment rights.

We denounce the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and militarized police tactics against unarmed demonstrators and we call on U.S. authorities to respect the rights of all workers—especially those in immigrant communities who have long powered the American economy while being denied full protection and recognition.

Justice for Janitors taught us that when workers rise together, history bends toward justice. David Huerta continues that fight, and UNI Global Union stands firmly by his side.