U.S. Prosecutors Move to Drop Charge Against California Labor Leader Arrested During Immigration Protest

Federal prosecutors have moved to dismiss the criminal case against David Huerta, president of SEIU California (Service Employees International Union California), who was arrested during a protest against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles last year. The move marks a dramatic reversal in a case that became a national flashpoint over immigration policy, labour rights and the right to protest.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the charge against Huerta, who was initially accused of felony obstruction after federal agents alleged he interfered with an immigration enforcement operation outside an apparel warehouse during a June 2025 protest. Prosecutors later reduced the charge to a misdemeanor before deciding to seek its dismissal altogether.

According to court filings, the dismissal is tied to a diversion agreement under which Huerta has complied with all conditions of his pretrial release for more than a year. Prosecutors said that if he continues to comply with those conditions, the case is expected to be formally dismissed by the end of August. They also stated that the Department of Justice does not prosecute people simply for engaging in peaceful protest.

Huerta welcomed the decision but maintained that the prosecution should never have been brought. In a statement released through his attorneys, he described the case as “baseless” and argued that it was intended to intimidate labour leaders and critics of the administration’s immigration policies. He said he would continue advocating for immigrant workers and exercising his constitutional right to protest.

The arrest sparked widespread demonstrations across California and other parts of the United States. Labour unions, immigrant-rights organisations and several Democratic leaders condemned Huerta’s detention, arguing that it represented an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent. Senior Democrats, including Chuck Schumer and California lawmakers, demanded explanations from federal authorities following the arrest.

Federal officials, however, have consistently maintained that the arrest was based on Huerta’s alleged actions during the immigration operation rather than his political views. Prosecutors previously argued that anyone who obstructs federal law enforcement officers could face criminal charges regardless of their status or position.

The dismissal also comes amid broader scrutiny of the Justice Department’s handling of protest-related prosecutions linked to immigration enforcement. A number of similar federal cases have either been reduced, dismissed or failed at trial, prompting debate over the legal strategy used in responding to demonstrations against immigration raids.

If the court approves the government’s request and Huerta continues to meet the terms of the diversion agreement, the case will be permanently closed next month. The outcome is likely to be viewed as a significant victory by organised labour and immigrant-rights advocates, while also renewing debate over the balance between law enforcement powers and the constitutional right to peaceful protest in the United States.