The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today welcomed the federal government’s decision to move to dismiss the criminal case against Service Employees International Union California (SEIU California) and SEIU-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW) President David Huerta and emphasized that advocates should never be prosecuted for Constitutionally protected activity defending immigrant communities.
SEE: Feds drop case against California labor leader arrested at immigration protest
Huerta was arrested in June 2025 while protesting a workplace raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). After questioning the ICE agents’ actions during the operation, Huerta was tackled, pepper sprayed, and detained before being charged with obstructing federal officers.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“No one should face criminal prosecution for exercising their First Amendment rights or for peacefully bearing witness to government actions. The move to dismiss David Huerta’s case is a welcome step toward justice, but it cannot erase the harm caused by the government’s decision to target a respected labor leader for defending the rights of immigrants. We thank David for his principled and courageous leadership, and for continuing to stand with workers and immigrant communities in the face of intimidation and retaliation.
“Immigrant communities live under the constant threat of aggressive enforcement actions that separate families and sow fear in entire neighborhoods. Criminalizing peaceful advocacy on behalf of these communities only deepens that injustice.
“Federal authorities must respect the constitutional rights of protesters, legal observers, labor leaders, journalists, and community advocates, and abandon tactics that discourage public accountability.”
CAIR-CA reaffirmed its commitment to defending the constitutional rights of all people to peacefully protest, document government actions, and advocate for the dignity and rights of immigrants without fear of retaliation.
CAIR-CA is the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or [email protected]; CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Senior Operations & Development Manager Elle Dunlap, [email protected]; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, (760) 201-7626, [email protected]; CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, (408) 498-5779 or [email protected]