Federal prosecutors have moved to dismiss the case against Los Angeles labor union leader David Jose Huerta, who was among the first people arrested in connection with last year’s immigration enforcement protests in Southern California.

Background of the Case

David Jose Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union California, pleaded not guilty to federal misdemeanor charges in connection with his arrest during one of several protests in Los Angeles stemming from sweeping federal immigration enforcement operations that were among President Trump’s 2024 campaign promises.

Huerta was charged with a misdemeanor charge of obstruction, resistance, or opposition of a federal officer, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison. The motion to dismiss the case against Huerta was filed in U.S. District Court in California.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the Department of Justice does not arrest people for peacefully protesting and that Mr. Huerta was charged with unlawfully interfering with the execution of a judicial search warrant. Huerta has agreed to accept responsibility for his actions and has been compliant with the terms of his bond for the last 13 months.

Protest and Arrest

Huerta was arrested on June 6 during a protest outside a business in Los Angeles where federal agents were investigating suspected immigration violations involving illegal immigrants. At the time, Huerta called the case “baseless” and insisted he was exercising his First Amendment rights when agents detained him.

Huerta’s union represents hundreds of thousands of janitors, security officers, and other workers across California. During the June protest, Huerta sat down in front of a vehicle gate and encouraged others to walk in circles to try to prevent law enforcement from going in or out.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.